By Andrew Paulson, CSLP, Lead Student Loan Consultant and Co-Founder of our partner site StudentLoanAdvice.com
In October 2022, the Department of Education (DOE) issued a press release titled “Charting the Path Forward to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).” In this release, there were a couple of regulations listed that could help borrowers who are pursuing PSLF. One of those regulations could be huge for doctors in California and Texas. Here’s what it says:
“Allow a qualifying employer to certify employment for a contractor if that individual is providing services that by State law cannot be filled or provided by an employee of that organization. The Department is aware of specific circumstances where existing state laws generally prevent doctors at nonprofit hospitals in California and Texas from working for the hospital directly. This change would cover those individuals as well as any other contractor whose employment is similarly barred by state law.”
This regulation would allow thousands of docs (and other health care professionals) in California or Texas that are currently ineligible for PSLF to qualify, potentially saving physicians hundreds of thousands of dollars in forgiven student loans.
First, let's talk about how some doctors in California and Texas have a tough time qualifying for PSLF.
California and Texas have had unusual state laws for years that prohibit many nonprofit hospitals from directly employing doctors. As a result, many doctors in those states are employed by a contractor with a hospital. However, in this specific situation, a doctor can't get PSLF, because in order to qualify, they must receive their paycheck directly from a qualifying organization—such as a nonprofit, a 501(c)(3), or a government employer. A doctor who's working for a nonprofit but who is being paid by a contractor wouldn't qualify.
With PSLF out of the picture, these doctors then select an alternative method of repayment, such as student loan refinancing or IDR forgiveness. That's usually a more costly option than PSLF.
If a doctor in California or Texas wants to pursue PSLF, they are constrained to employment at an academic institution, in public health, or in a government setting like the VA. If they aren’t interested in those environments, they must settle for employment at hospital contractors such as Kaiser Permanente. These contractors do not currently qualify for PSLF. This can pose a difficult decision for new docs who often have large student loan balances. Many new docs plan to pursue PSLF after they graduate training and desire to live in California or Texas. They risk losing out on PSLF, as there are fewer job options in those states that qualify because of the unusual state law.
One of the largest employers of docs in the country, Kaiser Permanente, could be on the list of employers that could fit as PSLF eligible, thanks to this new DOE adjustment. Many doctors finishing training who want to work in California will work for Kaiser. The unfortunate reality is they usually finish training with 3-7 years of work experience that is PSLF eligible, but they have to forfeit the program because Kaiser is not a qualifying employer. Now, with an opportunity for those docs to qualify for PSLF, many more physicians could end up pursuing PSLF and have their loans forgiven just a few years out of training.
More information here:
Refinance Student Loans and Pay Off or Go for PSLF?
Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness Worth It for Doctors?
How Do I Know If I Qualify for PSLF?
If you want to qualify for PSLF, here are six things you need to remember:
- Have direct federal student loans. If your loans aren’t direct, consider a direct federal consolidation.
- Enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) program such as REPAYE, PAYE, IBR, or ICR.
- Work full-time or the equivalent of full-time across multiple agencies or organizations (minimum of 30 hours per week).
- Make on-time monthly payments.
- Complete an employer certification form.
- Work at a qualifying employer. Qualified employers tend to be nonprofits, 501(c)(3), government employers, etc.
Once you’ve hit 120 qualifying monthly payments, you would be eligible for your loans to be forgiven tax-free.
More information here:
The (Nearly) Perfect PSLF Situation for a Physician
How Do I Know If My Employer Qualifies for PSLF?
The easiest way to determine if your employer qualifies is by using the PSLF help tool on studentaid.gov. To verify your eligibility, you need to insert the employment identification number (EIN) from the organization(s) that is paying you. Your EIN is usually on a tax form like your W-2. If you don’t have this, reach out to human resources.
Below is an example of a qualifying employer indicating “Eligible.”
This means, as long as you are following the rest of the PSLF rules, then you are accumulating credit (or have in the past) for the PSLF program.
If you are working at a community hospital but are employed by a contractor, you are likely paid by the contractor. Today, if you tried to input Kaiser Permanente (likely a contractor with a nonprofit hospital), you would come back with this “Not Eligible” status.
How Do I Know If My Employer Qualifies for This PSLF Loophole?
As of this writing, Kaiser Permanente employment or any other situation in which you are paid by a contractor with a non-profit/501(c)(3) doesn’t qualify for PSLF. Based on the new DOE regulations to start July 1, 2023, Kaiser is likely an employer that would qualify.
After recent guidance, borrowers are now eligible to qualify their employment.
In order to qualify your employment you need to complete a PSLF certification form and input your qualifying nonprofit/501(c)(3) employer information. That means, you'll input their EIN and request a signature from an official of the qualifying employer not your actual employer (generally the contractor). On the PSLF help tool, you'll input an email for a representative at the qualifying employer. Once it is signed, your form will be sent to MOHELA for processing. If you don't use the help tool, you'll need to procure a wet signature from a representative at the qualifying employer. And later on send the signed PSLF form to MOHELA via their upload portal or fax/mail.
You do not need to add your actual employer that does not qualify for PSLF.
Here are some other questions I've been thinking about.
PSLF Loophole Q&A
How Do I Fill Out My PSLF Certification Form if I'm Employed by Kaiser Permanente?
If you are a doctor at Kaiser Permanente, you can now verify your employment to qualify for PSLF. If you work at The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) or Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG) here's the information you'll need to enter into the PSLF help tool
EIN: 94-1105628 or 94-1340523
Employer Name: Kaiser Foundation Hospitals or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
Address: 1950 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Email for verification of employment: pslf-validation-tpmg-nh[email protected] (TPMG) and [email protected] (SCPMG)
When Can The Qualifying Employer Sign the PSLF Certification Form?
The qualifying employer can sign the PSLF certification form if either of these point are true:
1.) You are employed under a contract or by a contracted organization in a position that, under state law can't be filled by a direct employee of the organization or,
2.) You provide services that, under state law, can't be provided by a direct employee of the organization
Can I Qualify If I Already Refinanced My Student Loans?
If you have already privately refinanced all your federal student loans, you would not be eligible for the PSLF program. There is no undoing a private refinance. If you’re considering refinancing, make sure you consider this loophole, among other factors, prior to making your final decision.
Is This Retroactive?
Yes it is retroactive. Although the change happened on July 1 2023, previous employment is considered for PSLF eligibility back to October 2007.
Do Only Doctors Qualify?
No. In the ruling it mentions any borrower that works in a state that has laws that prevents their direct employment at a health care facility can qualify. So, I believe this would be inclusive for PAs, NPs, pharmacists, etc. However, it is our experience with Kaiser Permanente you would have to be a doctor to qualify.
Do I Qualify If I Work Outside of California or Texas?
No. This regulation only applies to those who are working in California and Texas.
What Impact Could This Have If You Qualify?
Picture this. You’re a new pulmonary critical care doctor working in San Diego at your first attending job making $325,000. You trained for six years at academic institutions and have six years of PSLF credit. You fit the unique situation in this loophole in that you are employed at a hospital contractor that, in the past, wasn’t eligible for PSLF.
You owe $300,000 in student loans at a 7% interest rate. You are trying to decide the optimal paydown plan and whether you should privately refinance or do PSLF.
Private Refinance
You privately refinance your loans to a 5% interest rate and a five-year term. You make a monthly payment of $5,661 and pay $39,682 in interest. You’re out of debt in five years, and your total loan cost is $339,682.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
You decide to pursue PSLF for four more years. You are on the PAYE program and you just recertified your income from the year prior when you worked half the year as a fellow at $60,000 income and half the year as an attending making $325,000. Over the next three years, your pay increases a little.
Over four years, your monthly payments in PAYE are usually about $2,500 and your total loan cost is $111,550. Your remaining loan balance of $275,000 is forgiven tax-free.
This new attending could end up saving over $228,000 in student loan payments by pursuing PSLF with this newest regulation. For many, PSLF forgiveness might not be life-altering money. However, it could also mean earlier retirement, partial retirement, more money in rental properties, 529 plans for kids, or just more time to spend with your loved ones.
As more information on this loophole becomes available, I will update this post. If you have questions about whether you qualify for this loophole or need general advice on the best way to pay down your student loans, contact our experienced team at studentloanadvice.com today!
If you're a doctor in California or Texas, could this loophole apply to you? Did you even know about this potential PSLF adjustment? How could qualifying for PSLF change your life? Comment below!
Could this apply to other states as well, like Utah? In my field of anesthesiology I’m not aware of any hospitals that directly employ anesthesiologists, though the service is rendered at an eligible hospital. Most are always contracted out.
It would have to be expanded. You’re allowed to be an employee of the hospital in Utah. That’s apparently not the case in those other states. Here’s the Utah law:
58-67-802 Form of practice.
Utah Code
Page 21
(1) A physician and surgeon licensed under this chapter may engage in practice as a physician
and surgeon, or in the practice of medicine only as an individual licensee; but as an individual
licensee, he may be:
(a) an individual operating as a business proprietor;
(b) an employee of another person;
(c) a partner in a lawfully organized partnership;
(d) a lawfully formed professional corporation;
(e) a lawfully organized limited liability company;
(f) a lawfully organized business corporation; or
(g) any other form of organization recognized by the state which is not prohibited by division rule
made in collaboration with the board.
Nothing in there about not being allowed to be employed by a hospital or any other person that isn’t licensed to practice. Utah is so pro-business I wouldn’t expect a restriction like that in Utah.
What a potential windfall for the top 5% of wage earners!
No different than PSLF. If we’re going to have PSLF, might as well make it fair and this change makes it more fair.
I don’t understand your comment – “No different than PSLF.” Isn’t this an DOE policy change to PSLF. But, you probably understand this was not the spirit of the original legislation. The title of article of the even describes it as a loophole. And if fairness and equity are a priority, why not allow all physicians to PSLF qualify? There are already comments about KP physicians outside of CA & TX being eligible.
As I have written before, not too long ago federal student programs were projected to generate a surplus. CBO analysis now projects $100s of billions in deficit. With changes like this, the 10-year projected deficit might exceed $1T.
I would argue the opposite, that this WAS the spirit of the original legislation, to reward those working in a non-profit setting.
Now whether the original legislation was good policy or not, we can debate elsewhere.
I’m sure we’ll need to agree to disagree. My understanding of the original spirit of the legislation that it was intended for teachers, law enforcement, social workers, those professions with limited income potential. And if I researched your past comments, I’m fairly confident you’ve expressed the same position.
We’re talking about two different things. I’m saying this particular change is c/w the rest of PSLF.
You’re talking about PSLF as a whole. While most public service fields earn less than their non public service counterparts, that’s not necessarily the case for docs. In many situations, they can have their cake and eat it too. Same pay as private practice, plus PSLF. But in lots of other cases (like academics, VA, CHC, military etc.) those docs really are being paid less to be in public service. PSLF helps make up for that.
I’m not really sure the government should be in the student loan business anyway to be honest. I’d almost rather see the schools doing the lending. Then when a borrower defaults because they got a crappy education, the school has some skin in the game.
This law was not written to apply to specific jobs or careers. There is no mention of specific jobs that are favored or excluded. It was purely written to include people working in “public service” which was defined in certain ways to include primarily government and non-profit jobs. If it was intended to not apply to top earners or certain professions such as physicians, then the law would have been written that way.
Look, I think the law is bad policy and should be eliminated entirely for future borrowers, but it is the current law. If legislators want to change or eliminate the program to exclude a certain set of future borrowers, then they would need to pass a law to that effect. But to say it wasn’t intended for high earning physicians is false.
I’m a new attending in California, working for a company similar to KP, where the group is a for profit entity paid by a finance partner agreement with a 501c. I would like to say I pay very close attention to student loan news, but I had no idea this was in the new DOE regs. I had my whole plan worked out when SCOTUS makes their decision, this changes things entirely! Very excited to keep following along!!
Any word on if this will apply to Kaiser Colorado (or for that matter Kaiser Washington/Oregon). Those states were set up the same way as the Kaiser California model due to the way state laws were in California. Ie while you work for a non-profit you are paid by a contracting company that is not considered a non-profit.
It seems distinctly unfair to expand the program to Kaiser California/Texas and not Kaiser Washington/Colorado/Oregon. This will put the other states at a huge 6 figure recruiting disadvantage for trainees coming out of fellowship/residency.
Akwho,
For now it is only those in Texas and California that will qualify for this loophole. If it changes, I’ll updated the post.
Andrew SLA
Would this only apply for Kaiser doctors working in the hospital setting? Any word if it would also include clinic doctors how are employed by PMG (one of the permanente medical groups)?
I bet it would but we won’t know for a while.
Any update on if pslf will now apply to Colorado Kaiser after July 2023?
Hi Nick,
Still only California that allows Kaiser to qualify. I doubt it’s going to happen for Colorado because it doesn’t have a state law that bars direct employment for doctors at nonprofit hospitals.
Andrew SLA
I agree this would be distinctly unfair and I don’t understand how, from a legal perspective, this could apply only to certain geographical regions of a national company with the same business model (albeit with different contracting groups, such as CPMG in CO). When will we get updates on KP Colorado? Thanks
I started working as a doc at Kaiser in California two years ago, and I have $100k in direct federal loans. I’m currently 68 payments towards 120, as prior to Kaiser I was at an academic institution.
My federal loan payments have been zero per month due to the covid pause since I started at Kaiser. If the changes you describe above go through, and as of 7/1/23 Kaiser docs can apply for PSLF, do you think I could retroactively count each “zero dollar monthly payment” that I’ve had since starting at Kaiser as a payment towards PSLF? If so that would catapult me towards forgiveness by like 24 additional payments, which would be awesome. Thanks for thoughts.
Yes. I would expect that to happen for you.
I’m shocked by this change because I never thought they would make this kind of accommodation since it mostly relates to physicians. I think it will even affect where new physicians choose to practice. It’s certainly in line with the spirit of the law and seems fair to make this change. These laws were a major reason I didn’t take a job in Texas or California, which were both places that were otherwise top on my list.
The potential changes in CA and TX came up at a Kaiser CA meeting recently. They are still unclear on how this will be applied and are waiting for their lawyers to receive more information. But they mentioned some Kaiser hospitals might qualify and others might not based perhaps on the county or payer composition of the area they are in. Is PSLF applied this way in any other states or is it purely based off the non-profit status of the hospital?
Laura,
Currently, PSLF is based on who pays you directly. If you are directly employed by a non-profit or 501(c)(3) then your employer would qualify. If you work at the aforementioned but are paid by a private contractor, you would not qualify. This is the impetus for the article, because it could change the paradigm of what counts as a qualifying employer now that there is potential you could qualify working for a contractor with a non-profit hospital. For now, this would only be happening in California or Texas.
Andrew SLA
Well, the expectation would certainly be that the hospital would be non-profit.
I should clarify- they seemed to imply that some Kaiser CA hospitals might qualify and some might not based on the county or payer composition. Last- have you heard anything about this applying to some specialties but not others ie. primary care but not EM or rads, which are historically though for-profit groups in most states?
No, I haven’t heard anything about it only applying to certain specialties.
Curious to Where you heard about this kaiser meeting?
I work for a private practice in California but my hospital where I round as a contractor is a county hospital. Would I qualify for PSLF under these new changes?
Hi Mark,
If you feel like your employment fits this scenario
“Allow a qualifying employer to certify employment for a contractor if that individual is providing services that by State law cannot be filled or provided by an employee of that organization. The Department is aware of specific circumstances where existing state laws generally prevent doctors at nonprofit hospitals in California and Texas from working for the hospital directly. This change would cover those individuals as well as any other contractor whose employment is similarly barred by state law.”
Then, you should try to qualify when more details surface on which employers/contractors would be eligible in July.
Andrew SLA
It’s supposed to be full time for the profit. “Rounding as a contractor” doesn’t sound like full time.
Along a similar question- I am a private practitioner in California that provides procedural care for patients within one non-profit hospital system. I am full time providing care for patients in this non-profits system with procedures and surgeries and call. Would that count?
I believe so but details not all out yet.
Thank you for this information!! I’m a current full time Kaiser employee in California & this would be life changing if implemented and retroactive. I had a question on the one time IDR account adjustment and PSLF.
In 2016, I consolidated $210K of my loans as an intern and left $10K separate (it was a no interest loan while in training).
In 2020, I graduated residency, and thinking I would never qualify for PSLF, I re-consolidated my loans taking the $210K (that I had made 4 years of payments on) with the $10K remaining, for my total consolidated loan of $220K
Do you know if I would qualify for the one time IDR account adjustment to allow for my previous 4 years of payments on the $210K to count for PSLF?
I’m kicking myself for consolidating in 2020 and potentially losing credit for 4 years of payments for if this loophole for Kaiser passes.
Thank you!
I don’t know the answer to your question but I’m sure Andrew does. You can book an appointment with him here:
https://calendly.com/studentloanadvice/student-loan-consult?month=2023-04
I’m also assuming you’re using the word consolidation properly and not saying consolidate when you mean refinance. If you refinanced your loans, they are no longer eligible for IDR/PSLF.
Jessica,
The IDR account adjustment is now moved back to the end of 2023 from May 2023. If your employment starts to qualify this year, I’d assume it would be retroactive and you would be eligile for PSLF credit back to 2016. In the meantime, I would resubmit your PSLF forms for residency if you haven’t done so.
Andrew SLA
Cma website on serval occasions have spoke about being able to retroactively count up to 10 years. Haven’t heard this anywhere else. Curious if you’ve heard anything about how long we can apply this retroactively?
https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/49970/CMA-advocacy-ensures-more-California-physicians-eligible-for-federal-loan-forgiveness
https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/50068/Physicians-seeking-federal-public-service-loan-forgiveness-must-have-direct-gov-t-loan-by-May-1
Hi James,
CMA doesn’t specifically cite where they are getting the retroactive from. I’ve dug into the literature on the regulation changes and it doesn’t make specific reference to retroactive credit at all yet.
In my opinion, the fact a particular state rule have made it particularly difficult for a small segment of borrowers for years (in CA & TX), I think the DOE will make this retroactive.
Andrew SLA
This seems like it would apply to me! I just passed the 120 payment threshold, though of course haven’t made any actual payments since COVID relief was implemented.
Right now I have about 100K in direct loans and 20k in non-direct(indirect?) loans. Based on the comments above, I am wondering if it makes sense for me to consolidate my loans?
I had previously assumed that it didn’t matter since I wouldn’t be getting PSLF. Now I guess I am realizing that I don’t really understand the consolidation process.
Richard,
You only need to consolidate the non-direct loans. You can leave the direct loans as is since they would already be eligible for PSLF.
https://studentaid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action
Andrew SLA
It is the “corporate practice of medicine act” that prohibits any hospital (for profit or not for profit) from directly employing doctors. I’ve been practicing in Texas since 1984 and this act is very jealously guarded by the legislature and the state AG. I’m frankly very skeptical that this loophole will allow hospitals to employ doctors directly. Since the practice of medicine is state regulated, even if the DOE somehow trumped the state on employment rules, the state of Texas could say that’s fine but you still cannot practice medicine.
You’re missing the point. The point isn’t to be employed directly, it’s to get PSLF despite NOT being employed directly.
I have been a physician in KP California for over 10 years. My consolidated loans are with Mohela. However, I’ve been repaying using the Standard (level) method (>120 payments) with a remaining balance of $25k. If I switch over to an IDR program, would I qualify for PSLF?
Hi KC,
Typically you need to be in an IDR plan or the standard 10 year plan to qualify. The standard plan you describe would probably not qualify. However, with the IDR waiver that is currently in place until the end of the year, you would qualify as it allows any payment plan on any student loan to qualify as long as you have qualifying employment.
Enroll into an IDR plan before they issue the final ruling on KP qualifying for PSLF. At the time of forgiveness, you need to be working at a qualifying employer AND in a qualifying repayment program such as IDR to have your loans forgiven.
Andrew SLA
What are the pro and cons of PSLF and HRSA Primary Care Loan? I do not know which one to choose .
They’re dramatically different. PSLF is loan forgiveness of your federal student loans. HRSA is a loan program that you have to pay back. More info on HRSA here:
https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/schools-apply-loan-program
I don’t see much attractive about that unless you somehow got a much better rate or something.
Lynn,
I would highly recommend you borrow federal student loans (eligible for PSLF) over HRSA loans. They have way more flexibility with repayment plans and forgiveness options.
Andrew SLA
Any updates since this was first posted? I have 100 out 120 qualifying payments towards PSLF, but am not currently with a qualifying employer. I have a substantial amount that would be forgiven (>300K) if I change employment back to a position that would qualify. It sounds to me like changing to a Kaiser job in CA still is not a “safe bet” at this point for those 20 months to get PSLF. Is that a correct read of your article? And is there any way to tell right now if (and what) other similar systems will qualify (ie. Sutter Health, Sansum Clinic, etc)?
Hi Britt,
No additional updates on what employers in CA and TX qualify yet. The rules still require you are directly employed by a nonprofit/501(c)(3) to qualify.
Andrew SLA
I agree this would be distinctly unfair and I don’t understand how, from a legal perspective, this could apply only to certain geographical regions of a national company with the same business model (albeit with different contracting groups, such as CPMG in CO). When will we get updates on KP Colorado? Thanks
Hi Nase,
Whether or not you agree, it only mentions CA and TX. And, this ruling is specific to a state law that directly prohibits certain physician employment at nonprofit hospitals in CA and TX. We don’t know if other states that KP resides like CO or WA will ever be considered. It would purely be speculative at this point.
Andrew SLA
Curious to see if this will also impact allied health professions (PT/OT/SLP)? I hope so! Looking forward to hearing more updates. Thank you!
Sure. Why not?
Any updates on the July 1st 2023 California specific PSLF changes for providers who are contracted but still work inside a hospital categorized as 401c nonprofit? Thanks!
Hi Adam,
No updates yet. With the change going into effect on July 1st, i’d anticipate further details coming soon. Stay tuned.
Andrew SLA
I’m a social worker at Kaiser at CA. The fact that I don’t qualify for PSLF due to being paid from the for profit side of Kaiser has always seemed so unfair. Especially because Kaiser has this non-profit side. Our union has advocated for kaiser to change our pay source to the non-profit side, so that we can qualify, but to no avail. I truly hope this change comes about, and that it allows all employees to qualify (not just physicians). Please keep us updated on any news regarding this possible change.
Such an easy thing for them to do too!
Hello –
Any updates here in regards to KP/TPMG docs? The July 1st time point is coming up soon, but I haven’t seen any updates posted to the Dpt of Ed website or elsewhere.
Thank you!
No update yet. When there is, we’ll update the post.
I am currently a CA licensed psychologist (PhD) contracting with Kaiser Permanente doing telemedicine as a 1099. (I moved back to NJ early in pandemic to care for family). When I left CA, I was about 102 payments into PSLF with a government employer. Those 18 months left are still hanging over my head. Is it possible I could actually qualify for PSLF as an independent contractor if I work 30 hours a week providing services to Kaiser members? I just want to make sure I’m understanding correctly.
Yes, that’s exactly what this post is talking about.
Thank you. I wasn’t sure if there was a distinction between Kaiser employees verses Kaiser temps/contractors.
Christine,
In the proposal it includes those who work as an employer or independent contractor at an organization that contracts (usually private) with nonprofit hospitals.
Andrew SLA
Thank you Andrew — this sounds hopeful!
With the supreme court decision today, how does it affect Kaiser physicians? Does it mean that Kaiser physicians will not qualify for PSLF? Or is that still under debate under a separate issue?
Hi Mark,
No changes. We are still waiting to hear updates on the proposal that would include Kaiser physicians in PSLF. Here’s our latest article if you haven’t seen it.
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/pslf-loophole-california-texas/
Andrew SLA
it’s july now! anyone have updates or news on how to actually apply for this?
We share it as we get it. Not much new has come out on this that I know of though.
Thanks for all your insight. While we’re waiting for updates, did I read correctly that you recommend we enroll in IDR now? I currently work for Kaiser.
IDR is a broad term that includes ICR, IBR, PAYE, REPAYE, and the new SAVE.
But yes, most docs with student loans should be enrolled in an IDR. For the last few years that should be PAYE or REPAYE. Soon almost everyone will be in SAVE with a few in PAYE and a few who have had loans a long time still stuck in IBR.
The form is updated to reflect contractors now
https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/public-service-application-for-forgiveness.pdf
N 5A: EMPLOYER CERTIFICATION (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE EMPLOYER) Terms in Bold are defined in Section 7.
By providing an acceptable signature below, I certify that (1) the information in Section 4 is true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief (see Section 6 for instructions), (2) I am an authorized official of the organization named in Section 4, and (3) the borrower named in Section 1 is or was a direct employee of the organization named in Section 4; or is or was employed under a contract or by a contracted organization in a position or providing services that, under applicable state law, cannot be filled or provided by a direct employee of the organization
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the update! Exciting this is making its way into the verification form. We will update the post.
Andrew SLA
So, just for clarification when filling out this form, do we use the EIN of the hospital we work for and not the direct employer?
Hi Susan,
Correct. You need the EIN for the hospital you work at and you need a signature from an employee there. Not from the actual company or contractor you’re employed by.
Andrew SLA
If we work for SCPMG/Kaiser, do we use the EIN number for Kaiser Hospitals out of Oakland?
Seems if you use the PSLF Help Tool though that form does not include the latest updates regarding contractor. Going to print out the new form and try to talk to my hospital HR about signing it, will let everyone know how it goes !
Any updates Khoi? I tried the help tool today and didn’t have updated info regarding contractor.
Thanks!
Susan,
I’m not exactly sure who signs it for those in SCPMG. But for your peers in northern cal at TPMG, the program recognizes Kaiser Foundation Health Plan/Hospitals (KFHP/H) as a qualifying employer of a “contracted organization”. You would enter the KFHP/H EINs either
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals — EIN 94-1105628 or
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan — EIN 94-1340523
Andrew SLA
Hi Andrew,
I work for Kaiser Northern CA TPMG, how do I know which EIN to use out of the two?
Thanks!
Alicia
HI Alicia Lee-Lauduski,
Either works.
Andrew SLA
This is outstanding news! Here’s hoping the language remains on the form for a long time. It’ll be 7+ years before I’ll possibly need to use it. This is an amazing deal for current and future physicians! Thank you for letting us know, and I will be sure to spread the word to my medical school cohort!
Does this language suggest that Kaiser physician partners that receive a K1 will be eligible for PSLF?
Jack,
I think physician partners would be eligible as well.
Andrew SLA
Jack,
Either works.
Andrew SLA