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H.R. 9488 · Where this bill is now

In committee

Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Jun 25, 2026

What this bill does

In plain words · AI-written from the official summary

Creates Health Disparity Zones with incentives

This bill sets up a way to officially designate certain geographic areas as Health Disparity Zones if they have documented health inequalities. Communities can apply to the Department of Health and Human Services for this designation, and if approved, organizations working in these zones become eligible for grants, student loan repayment assistance for health care providers, and tax credits for employers and workers. The designation lasts for ten years after the law takes effect.

How it affects you

If you're a health care provider, nonprofit worker, or employer in an area with significant health disparities, this could mean access to grants, loan repayment help, or tax credits to support your work. For patients in these designated zones, it may lead to more health care providers and services focused on reducing health inequalities in your community. For others, the direct effects depend on whether your area qualifies for this designation.

Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jun 25, 2026)

Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026

This bill provides for the designation of Health Disparity Zones in certain geographic areas with documented and measurable health disparities. This designation, which expires 10 fiscal years after the bill's enactment, confers eligibility for certain grants, student loan repayment programs, and tax credits for those working to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in these zones.

Specifically, community-based nonprofits or local government agencies, in coalition with health care providers, social service organizations, and others, may apply to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the designation. The application must include a plan to reduce health disparities and achieve other outcomes.

In implementing the program, HHS must consult with, among others, the Department of Housing and Urban Development. When approving applications, HHS shall consider factors including geographic diversity and the commitment of supporting funds from the private sector. HHS (1) may award grants to organizations or agencies that applied for the designation to support activities aligned with their plans, and (2) must carry out a student loan repayment program for health care providers who agree to provide services in a Health Disparity Zone.

In addition, the bill establishes tax credits for employers that hire, and individuals who work as, Health Disparity Zone workers.

Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.

119th Congress
2nd SessionH. R. 9488

A BILL

Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026

In the HouseNo vote yet

Sponsor: Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) · Introduced Jun 25, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text

Read the full billOfficial record on Congress.gov ↗

Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 25, 2026: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”

Sections

Sections · 10