Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Legislation to Improve Health Disparities
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13), introduced the Health Disparity Zones Act, legislation to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes.
“Low-income and minority communities are heavily burdened by poor health outcomes as they have less resources to access the care needed,” said Rep. Thanedar. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 adults rate their health as being fair to poor. My bill seeks to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes to underserved, geographic areas.”
To help solve this crisis, this legislation would:
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Mandate that the Secretary of Health and Human Services will designate areas as Health Disparity Zones, no later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act;
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Define the designation of Health Disparity Zones based on certain geographic areas having measurable and documented racial, ethnic, or geographic health disparities and poor health outcomes that are demonstrated by having an average income below 150 percent of the Federal poverty line and other low-income factors;
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Provide employers in Health Disparity Zones a tax credit equal to 40 percent of wages paid to eligible workers for one year.
This legislation would alleviate the tax burden of employers in Health Disparity Zones, allowing them to invest more of their resources into providing care, higher wages, and more staff. Additionally, this legislation would increase the Medicare reimbursement rates by 10 percent, allowing health care providers to receive payments for their services, which allows them to stay in business, adequately pay their staff, and provide care to underserved communities.
Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.
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