Arguably the most important thing in our health care system is access to care.

Unfortunately, a shortage of doctors — especially primary care and OB-GYN physicians — is a growing problem in rural communities throughout Southwest Michigan and the entire state.

Michigan families in certain rural areas can often face long drives to see a doctor, which is why I was proud to co-sponsor legislation headed to the governor’s desk that is designed to encourage physicians to practice in underserved areas.

The Michigan Essential Health Provider program includes a loan repayment program for certain medical providers who enter into an agreement with the Department of Community Health (DCH) to provide full-time health care services in an area with a shortage.

Senate Bill 648 would increase the maximum annual repayment benefit for a doctor from $25,000 to $40,000 and create a lifetime cap of $200,000. The bill also permits DCH to give preference to physicians studying general practice, family practice, obstetrics, pediatrics or internal medicine.

An assessment would be required to determine whether the amount of debt repayment was sufficient to facilitate the placement and retention of professionals in underserved areas and whether any adjustments should be made to reflect changes in tuition costs.

Attracting talented doctors to rural areas is difficult, especially when many of them finish medical school more than $150,000 in debt.

This legislation is about incentivizing doctors to set up a practice in underserved regions, like many areas of Southwest Michigan, by updating an existing loan repayment program to better reflect modern costs and needs.

It also is an example of a bipartisan solution to problems facing Michigan families. I look forward to seeing the governor sign the bill into law and helping us increase access to quality health care for all Michigan residents.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County