A state-level solution to protect medical school access after the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" eliminated Grad PLUS loans
On July 4, 2025, the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed, fundamentally changing medical education financing
Grad PLUS Eliminated: The federal Grad PLUS loan program will be shut down for all new medical students starting in the 2026-2027 academic year
Loans Capped at $150,000: Half of what most medical students need, while medical school costs average $80,000-$95,000 per year
Students Face $200,000-$300,000 in Debt: Before even starting residency, with no access to affordable federal loans
Only Option: Private Loans: With outrageous interest rates and no safety nets or income-driven repayment plans
Repayment Plans Cut: Making it extremely difficult for physicians to get loan forgiveness, especially those serving in low-income and rural areas
70-75% of medical students
rely on federal loans to afford medical school (AAMC)
Up to 86,000 physician shortage
projected by 2036—this bill intensifies the crisis (AAMC)
11 million people uninsured
estimated by Congressional Budget Office
Medicine only for the wealthy
Shutting out lower and middle-class students
With the federal government abandoning its commitment to medical education access, New York has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead by creating a state-level loan program that ensures qualified students can still pursue medical careers regardless of family wealth.
We are actively collaborating with Governor Kathy Hochul's office, working alongside Sibu Nair, Deputy Director for Asian American Affairs, to advance this critical legislation. Together, we are building bipartisan support to ensure New York students maintain access to medical education.
New York is home to some of the nation's premier medical schools and teaching hospitals. Starting in 2026-2027, we risk losing talented students who cannot afford medical education, particularly those from underserved communities who are most likely to return to serve those areas. Without state action, New York's healthcare system and medical leadership will suffer irreparable harm.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed on July 4, 2025, fundamentally changing medical education financing
A state-funded loan program modeled after the former federal Grad PLUS program, designed specifically for New York medical students
Loans up to the full cost of attendance, minus other financial aid received, ensuring no qualified student is turned away due to finances
Fixed interest rates comparable to federal student loans, with income-driven repayment options and deferment during residency
Available to New York residents attending medical schools in New York, with incentives for practicing in underserved areas of the state
Partial or full loan forgiveness for physicians who commit to serving in New York's medically underserved communities
Ensures that talented New York students can pursue medical careers regardless of family wealth, maintaining the diversity and quality of our physician workforce
New York faces critical physician shortages, especially in rural and underserved urban areas. This program helps train physicians who are more likely to serve these communities
Every dollar invested in medical education returns to the state through improved healthcare outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and physicians contributing to the local economy
New York can lead the nation by demonstrating that states can protect access to medical education even when federal support falters
Contact your New York State legislators to support the creation of the NY Medical Education Loan Program
Subject: Support for NY Medical Education Loan Program
Dear [Legislator Name],
I am writing to urge you to support the creation of a New York State Medical Education Loan Program. With federal Grad PLUS loans potentially being eliminated, New York has an opportunity to lead by ensuring our medical students can afford their education.
This program would help address physician shortages in underserved areas, maintain diversity in our medical workforce, and demonstrate New York's commitment to accessible healthcare education. I ask that you champion this legislation and work to secure funding for this critical investment in our state's healthcare future.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]