Bill > S3840

This bill, the Health Investment Zones Act of 2026, aims to address health disparities and improve health outcomes by designating specific geographic areas as Health Investment Zones. To qualify, an area must be contiguous and demonstrate significant health disparities, such as low average income (below 150% of the Federal poverty line), high participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), lower life expectancy, higher rates of low birth weight, or be designated as a health professional shortage area. Applications for designation must be submitted by community-based nonprofit organizations or local government agencies in partnership with healthcare providers and other relevant organizations, and must include a plan to reduce health disparities, lower healthcare costs, improve health outcomes, and utilize various incentives. The bill proposes several incentives, including tax credits for employers hiring qualified workers in these zones, a direct tax credit for these workers, grants to support local initiatives, a student loan repayment program for healthcare practitioners serving in these zones, and increased Medicare payments for services provided within designated areas. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will oversee the designation process, considering geographic diversity and prioritizing applications with strong stakeholder support, sustainable funding plans, and integration with existing health improvement efforts. The designation of a Health Investment Zone will last for 10 years, and a report on the Act's implementation and results will be submitted to Congress after this period.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3840/all-info