Rural Physicians Retention Loan Repayment Program; create.

HB 593 would create a Mississippi program repaying student loans for physicians working in rural healthcare settings. It offers annual payments increasing from $20,000 to $40,000 over five years for physicians employed at qualifying rural hospitals (including specific counties like Bolivar and Yazoo, or federally designated facilities like Critical Access Hospitals) and holding a Mississippi medical license. To qualify, physicians must have eligible educational debt, work full-time in designated rural areas, and not be in default on other loans. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and was never enacted.