A coalition of more than 40 healthcare organizations are urging Congress to advance legislation that would defer federal student loan interest for eligible physicians and dentists during required postgraduate training.
The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act would allow eligible borrowers enrolled in accredited medical and dental internship or residency programs to defer interest accrual on their federal student loans during training, according to a Sept. 10 letter to congressional committee leaders.
The organizations said the legislation would reduce educational debt for physicians and dentists. They also said reducing financial burdens during residency and internship could encourage physicians and dentists to serve in communities and specialties facing shortages.
The letter also pointed to federal student loan policy changes in effect since July 1, 2026, including new federal borrowing caps for graduate and professional students and the elimination of the Graduate PLUS loan program.
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