Help Support Loan Forgiveness for Geriatrics Healthcare Providers

Subject: Help Support Loan Forgiveness for Geriatrics Healthcare Providers

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

70 million by 2030 - that's the projection for the number of Americans over the age of 65 who will be living in communities across the United States. This unprecedented demographic shift will place additional pressure on healthcare providers, especially providers who specialize in geriatrics, as these professionals are already in short supply. Important legislation has been introduced in Congress that will provide loan repayment for healthcare professionals who train in the field of geriatrics.

As a constituent, I urge you to cosponsor the 'Caring for An Aging America Act of 2008' (S.2708/H.R.6337), introduced on March 5, 2008 by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and on June 20, 2008 by Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI). In the Senate, current cosponsors of the bill are: Susan Collins (R-ME), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). Current House cosponsors of the bill are: Stephen Cohen (D-TN) and Joe Baca (D-CA).

This critical legislation will attract and retain trained healthcare professionals and direct care workers by providing loan forgiveness and career advancement opportunities in a variety of disciplines. The bill will also establish a health and long-term care workforce advisory panel for an aging America. Specifically, the bill establishes the Geriatric and Gerontology Loan Repayment Program for physicians, physician assistants, advance practice nurses, psychologists and social workers with award payments of up to $35,000 a year during the first two years of practice.

Currently there are approximately 7,000 certified geriatricians; however, the Alliance for Aging research estimated that 14,000 geriatricians are currently needed and by 2030, they estimate the need for 36,000 geriatricians. There is an urgent need to prepare the entire healthcare workforce, including physicians, nurses, social workers and psychologists, to better serve the increasing numbers of older adults and this legislation can play a major role in addressing this issue. In addition, the findings of the Institute of Medicine's recent report, "Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce," further underscore the need for this legislation.

Thank you for your commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of older Americans. Should you have questions about this important legislation, please have your staff contact Anne Marie Evriviades (212-308-1414) at the American Geriatrics Society.