Rural communities struggle to recruit and retain physicians. Thankfully, the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC) is making critical improvements to the Rural Retention Program (RRP) to stabilize funding so that physicians are more eligible for incentives and benefits. Effective April 21st, 2021, the following improvements will encourage more doctors to start practices and keep connections in rural communities:
- RRP Income Eligibility Threshold for 2021/2022 is now $65,000 (previously $75,000) to account for the impact of COVID-19
- Effective April 1st, 2020 physicians on parental or medical leave are retroactively eligible for the RRP flat fee payment and their earned RCME benefit for 1 year
- Physicians who live and work in rural communities who are eligible for the Business Cost Premium payments receive an additional Rural Business Cost Modifier (RBCM)
- The minimum point threshold is now 1.5 (previously 6.0). Communities within 1.5-14.99 points are now eligible for “C” designated benefits
- Point assessments are now implemented using a 5-year rolling average to stabilize payments and benefit levels
If you are a rural physician you can expect to receive a letter about the improvements for your community. Updates to the RRP program were long overdue (almost 20 years!) and promise a better experience for physicians and their communities. If you have any questions about these improvements, contact Doctors of BC.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.
Additional Reading
Dr. Nour Khatib left medical school for a finance career, but a persistent calling encouraged her to return years later and become an emergency physician.
