Logo

Action Center

Urge Congress to Protect Access to Pharmacy Education
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) are urging Congress to protect students’ access to quality pharmacy education and federal student loan support. 

On June 10, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee released reconciliation recommendations that would direct sweeping cuts to federal student loan programs, including those relied upon by pharmacy students nationwide. This proposal includes language terminating the federal Grad PLUS program, capping federal graduate student loan assistance at $200,000 per borrower, and eliminating subsidized loans for future borrowers. 

Elimination of the GRAD Plus Loan program could shift a significant number of borrowers toward private, higher-interest loans. These private loans often lack the safeguards built into federal student loan programs, while leaving America’s future pharmacy workforce saddled with higher interest rates. The strict credit checks required by these programs also stand as a significant barrier to entry for prospective students seeking a career in pharmacy. 

And crucially, the consequences of these limitations to federal student loans extend far beyond the plight of pharmacy students. According to a recent health care workforce analysis by the National Institute of Health Care Management Foundation, health care workforce shortages in the United States are predicted to rise significantly by 2037, with rural communities facing an outsized portion of this burden. These cuts will only exacerbate future workforce shortages, limiting access to care while generating significant strain on the greater health care system. 

Join AMCP, ASHP, AACP, and APhA in urging Congress to ensure that the budget reconciliation bill does not terminate the Grad Plus Loan Program or unreasonably cap the amount that student pharmacists are able to borrow to attend pharmacy school. 

    Subject
    Message Body
    Post
    Suggested Message
    Post
    Remaining: 0
  • Hide
    • Please call this number:

      Please do not close this window. You will need to come back to this window to enter your code.
      We just sent an email to ... containing a verification code.

      If you do not see the email within the next five minutes, please ensure you entered the correct email address and check your spam/junk mail folder.
      Enter Your Info
      Your Information
      By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive periodic call to action text messages from AMCP. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Message frequency varies. Privacy Policy  
      Home Information  
      Enter Zip for City and State
      Business Information  
      Enter Zip for City and State