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House committee releases bill adding optometrists to provider loan repayment program with two slots annually
Summary
HB260 would allow optometrists to participate in Delaware's Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000 per provider) with a negotiated limit of two optometrists per year. Supporters said the change will help recruit new providers and reduce wait times in underserved areas; the bill was released to the full House.
Representative Halofsky presented House Bill 260 to amend Title 16 to permit optometrists to participate in the Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program. Under the negotiated language, two optometrists per year would be eligible for loan repayment grants of up to $50,000 to serve in underserved areas for a specified commitment period.
"This bill... will permit two optometrists per year to participate in the health care provider loan repayment program," the sponsor said, describing high debt levels from optometry school and rural access shortages that the program aims to address.
Sponsor testimony described collaboration with the Division of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Optometric Association to craft language that yields no fiscal note in the near term. Witnesses said the program is a recruitment tool to attract newly graduated optometrists who carry substantial school debt.
Committee members asked about patient ratios and wait times; a witness provided county-level wait-time estimates (Kent ~11 days; New Castle ~20 days; Sussex ~30'45 days) and said Sussex has the longest waits. Dr. Alyssa Long, president of the Delaware Optometric Association, testified in support and said the change will help provide earlier interventions and expand access to eye care.
Representative Kay Smith moved to release HB260 and Representative Burns seconded. The committee voted by roll call; the motion carried and the bill will be presented to the full House for consideration.
