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SB 251

AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF REIMBURSING STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WHO PROVIDE PRO BONO SERVICES AT SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINICS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Somers

Connecticut will study whether to reimburse student loans for healthcare providers volunteering at school-based clinics to increase pro bono coverage.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#healthcareproviders #schoolhealthservices #studentloans #studies
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Bill Summary · SB 251

Legislative bill overview

SB 251 directs Connecticut to conduct a feasibility study examining whether health care providers who volunteer pro bono services at school-based health clinics should receive student loan payment reimbursement as compensation for their service. The study would analyze the logistics, costs, and potential benefits of implementing such a program.

Why is this important

School-based health clinics address healthcare access gaps for underserved students, but often struggle to attract volunteer providers. A loan reimbursement incentive could increase provider participation and expand clinic capacity, though it would require significant state funding and raise questions about equitable compensation models across professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost-benefit analysis unclear: The feasibility study must determine whether loan reimbursement is cost-effective compared to other recruitment strategies or direct payment models
  • Equity concerns: Questions about why health care providers receive loan assistance while other essential school-based professionals (social workers, educators) may not, and which provider types qualify
  • State budget impact: Uncertain fiscal commitment needed; program could be expensive depending on participation rates and loan amounts covered
  • Implementation challenges: Determining reimbursement caps, duration of service required, eligibility criteria, and how to prevent providers from gaming the system

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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