SPRINGFIELD – To close the health care gap for people living in rural parts of the state, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to provide financial incentives to physicians who perform medical services in rural areas.

“Advancing this bill will mean that people across the state will have more attainable access high quality health care,” said Turner. “We must work to restore access to quality and abundant care in rural Illinois.”

Private rural health clinics have opened in more recent years, providing the same quality care as hospitals in communities across the state. Physicians working in private clinics currently are not able to qualify for loan forgiveness even though they sometimes work in an underserved area. Senate Bill 3017 will ensure that if the physician meets all other requirements, they will be able to receive loan forgiveness.

"SB 3017 will help enhance recruitment and retention efforts,” said Phil Johnson, MD with Litchfield Family Practice. “Doctors, Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Nurses for rural healthcare facilities are very concerned about both recruiting and retaining skilled medical staff.”

SB 3017 passed the Senate Healthcare Access and Availability Committee on Tuesday.