H.R. 1615, the Medical Economic Deferment for Students (MEDS) Act, was introduced on March 19 by Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and is now in committee. The bill would retain the current debt-to-income ratio pathway (also known as 20/220) for borrowers to qualify for an economic hardship deferment in both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs that is scheduled to end on July 1, 2009.

NASFAA believes that 20/200 is vitally important for borrowers pursuing careers in the health professions, especially medical students, and has written a letter expressing our full support to Rep. Ehlers.

Posted 05/01/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.