Iowa Launches $8M Program to Recruit Health Care Workers to High-Need Counties

The new incentive program aims to strengthen Iowa's health care workforce pipeline, particularly in rural communities.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Iowa Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have launched an $8 million incentive program to recruit and retain health care professionals in 36 designated high-need counties across the state. The Health Care Professional Incentive Program will provide income bonuses or student loan repayment assistance to eligible medical professionals who commit to working in fields like nursing, mental health, and primary care in underserved rural areas.

Why it matters

This program is intended to improve access to quality health care services in Iowa's rural communities, which are home to nearly half of the state's population. By offering financial incentives, the state hopes to strengthen its health care workforce pipeline and ensure residents in high-need counties have access to essential medical providers.

The details

The program, created by House File 972 and signed into law in May 2025, will provide eligible health care professionals with income bonuses or student loan repayment assistance if they commit to working full-time for 5 years or part-time for 7 years in one of 36 designated high-need counties. Eligible occupations include physicians, nurses, mental health counselors, and other medical providers. Participants must be licensed and employed in one of the qualifying counties to receive the funding.

  • The application deadline for the program is March 31, 2026.
  • The $8 million in funding is for the program's first year.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The Governor of Iowa who announced the launch of the new incentive program.

Iowa Department of Education

The state agency that will administer the Health Care Professional Incentive Program.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that will administer the Health Care Professional Incentive Program in coordination with the Department of Education.

McKenzie Snow

The Director of the Iowa Department of Education.

Larry Johnson

The Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

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What they’re saying

“This initial $8 million state investment is a critical step in strengthening our health care provider pipeline and ensuring rural communities, which are home to nearly half of all Iowans, have access to high-quality health care services.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (cbs2iowa.com)

“This modernized $8 million state investment helps prepare, recruit and retain professionals in communities most in need of great providers, improving access and quality of care for all Iowans.”

— McKenzie Snow, Director, Iowa Department of Education (cbs2iowa.com)

“Attracting and retaining primary care physicians, nurses and mental health providers in rural communities will improve access and health outcomes.”

— Larry Johnson, Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (cbs2iowa.com)

What’s next

The application deadline for the Health Care Professional Incentive Program is March 31, 2026. Eligible health care workers in the 36 designated high-need counties have until that date to apply for the funding.

The takeaway

This new $8 million incentive program is a significant investment by Iowa to strengthen its rural health care workforce and ensure residents in underserved areas have access to essential medical services. By offering financial incentives to recruit and retain professionals in high-need fields and locations, the state is taking an important step to improve health outcomes for all Iowans.