Bill > HR7496

This bill, titled the "Health Investment Zones Act of 2026," aims to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes by designating specific geographic areas as Health Investment Zones (HIZs). To qualify for designation, an area must be contiguous and demonstrate poor health outcomes, such as low average income (below 150% of the Federal poverty line), higher-than-average participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), lower life expectancy, a higher rate of low birth weight, or be designated as a health professional shortage area. Community-based nonprofit organizations or local government agencies, in partnership with healthcare providers and other related organizations, can apply for this designation by submitting a plan to reduce health disparities, lower healthcare costs, improve health outcomes, and utilize various incentives. The bill proposes several incentives to support these zones, including tax credits for employers hiring qualified HIZ workers and for those workers themselves, grants to support HIZ initiatives like subgrants to healthcare practitioners for innovative strategies, a student loan repayment program for healthcare practitioners serving in HIZs, and increased Medicare payments for certain services provided in these zones. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will oversee the designation process, considering geographic diversity and prioritizing applications with strong stakeholder support and plans for long-term sustainability and evaluation. The designation of an HIZ will last for 10 years, and the Secretary will report to Congress on the program's effectiveness.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7496/all-info