[giogadi]

We actually already have many loan forgiveness programs for doctors - for example, they can choose to work at an understaffed clinic in a historically underserved area of the country and get huge amounts of their loans forgiven, on top of making a big salary. A lot of these clinics fully depend on this pipeline of doctors needing loan forgiveness. I'm not saying that this an ideal situation, but the loans can sorta encourage many doctors to practice where they are most needed.

[dantheman]

Loan forgiveness like other tax incentives merely distort the market. Just pay the doctors what it costs to get them there, we are probably over paying by giving loan forgiveness.

[ilc]

The free market does not solve all problems.

Sometimes it simply doesn't make economic sense to provide a service that people need.

Witness broadband availability and other things, and you'll see that the free market won't provide a service if it can't make money.

[dantheman]

And you think it's justified for others to subsidize the lifestyle of those who live in rural environment?

This is about government funding - it's not a free market solution, it's about the government being honest in how much it is subsidizing different areas. If the total cost was visible perhaps people would say - hey maybe people shouldn't live there.

[ilc]

Honestly, given that they are some of the poorest parts of our country. Yes.

I'm also pro-single payer healthcare, and want us just to get on with it.

I don't believe the value of people is just the money they earn.

[ikr678]

Do the size of current loans not also distort the market/choices that junior doctors make?