[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA:
  S. 3840. A bill to provide for the designation of areas as Health 
Investment Zones to reduce health disparities and improve health 
outcomes in such areas, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Finance.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Health Investment 
Zones Act of 2026. This legislation would designate health investment 
zones for 10 years in areas with large health disparities based on 
income, life expectancy, provider shortages, and align tax, grant, 
loan-repayment, and Medicare incentives to expand services where they 
are needed most.
  This bill would establish health investment zones, HIZs, in areas 
with significant health disparities, offering incentives like expanded 
tax credits for employers and workers, grants for health projects, and 
loan repayment for healthcare professionals serving in these zones. It 
supports initiatives such as mobile clinics and wellness programs and 
provides Medicare bonuses for services delivered in HIZs. The bill 
focuses on improving outcomes for conditions like diabetes, 
cardiovascular disease, and maternal health, with a 10-year report to 
measure progress in health, access, and cost reductions.
  Many communities face preventable gaps in health care access that 
lead to higher emergency room use, more hospital admissions, and rising 
costs. Establishing 10-year health investment zones will help close 
these gaps and ensure that underserved areas receive the consistent, 
affordable, and high-quality care they need.
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