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H.R. 9488 119th Congress House

Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026

Official title: To provide for the designation of areas as Health Disparity Zones to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in such areas, and for other purposes.

Introduced: June 25, 2026 Introduced by: Shri Thanedar Democratic · Michigan See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
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.
Jun 25, 2026
Introduced in House
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What's happening now June 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.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Lobbying activity 8

Registered lobbyists who named this bill in their disclosure filings. Source: federal Lobbying Disclosure Act filings.

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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 9488: Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026. 119th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/119-HR-9488/
MLA
"H.R. 9488: Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026." 119th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/119-HR-9488/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 9488, 119th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/119-HR-9488/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 9488: Health Disparity Zones Act of 2026](https://openamerica.io/bill/119-HR-9488/)
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