Health Disparity Zones Act of 2023

Bill: 118-hr-6475
Sponsor: Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
Introduced: 2023-11-21 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Census and government statistics
Congressional oversight
Dental care
Disability and health-based discrimination
Education programs funding
Government information and archives
Health care costs and insurance
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Higher education
Housing supply and affordability
Income tax credits
Medical education
Mental health
Nutrition and diet
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Physical fitness and lifestyle
Racial and ethnic relations
State and local government operations
State and local taxation
Student aid and college costs
Transportation costs
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: 

Health Disparity Zones Act of 

2023

 
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.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2023-11-24
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: 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.
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: 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.
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-11-21
text: Introduced in House