§ 7693. Eligibility; preferences; covered costs

• (a) An individual is eligible to participate in the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program if the individual—
  • (1) will be eligible for appointment under section 7401 of this title to work in an occupation described in section 7692 of this title ;
  • (2) owes any amount of principal or interest under a loan, the proceeds of which were used by or on behalf of that individual to pay costs relating to a course of education or training which led to a degree that qualified the individual for the position referred to in paragraph (1); and
  • (3) is—
    • (A) recently graduated from an accredited medical or osteopathic school and matched to an accredited residency program in a medical specialty described in section 7692 of this title ; or
    • (B) a physician in training in a medical specialty described in section 7692 of this title with more than 2 years remaining in such training.
• (b) In selecting individuals for participation in the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program under this subchapter, the Secretary may give preference to the following:
  • (1) Individuals who are, or will be, participating in residency programs in health care facilities—
    • (A) located in rural areas;
    • (B) operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or the Indian Health Service; or
    • (C) affiliated with underserved health care facilities of the Department.
  • (2) Veterans.
• (c) For purposes of subsection (a)(2), costs relating to a course of education or training include—
  • (1) tuition expenses;
  • (2) all other reasonable educational expenses, including expenses for fees, books, equipment, and laboratory expenses; and
  • (3) reasonable living expenses.