A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Resources for Essential Access to Community Health Act or the REACH Act. It amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to set up a refundable tax credit for health care providers working in rural areas. Eligible workers can receive a $10,000 tax credit for their employment. To qualify, workers must be employed for at least 900 hours during the taxable year in a rural area as specific types of health professionals. The credit is subject to a limitation based on adjusted gross income and will terminate for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2033.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The legislation directly targets rural communities to improve the recruitment and retention of essential health care professionals.
- Scored +6
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
By offering a tax credit to rural health care providers, the bill incentivizes medical professionals to work in underserved rural communities.
- Scored +5
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
Middle-income rural health professionals earning below the income threshold qualify for the $10,000 tax credit.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Support for Rural Health Workers: Under Section 2, adding section 36C(a) to the Internal Revenue Code, eligible rural health care providers are allowed a tax credit of $10,000. This could benefit individuals by putting money directly back into the pockets of those providing medical and mental health services in rural communities.
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Support for a Variety of Medical Professions: Under Section 2, adding section 36C(b), the bill specifies that primary care practitioners, mental health professionals, nurses, and medical residents can qualify for the credit. This ensures that a diverse group of essential health workers in rural areas can potentially receive the benefit.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Income Restrictions on the Credit: Under Section 2, adding section 36C(c), the $10,000 credit is reduced if a taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $170,000. This means that certain rural health care providers earning above that income threshold will receive a reduced benefit or no benefit at all.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The legislation directly targets rural communities to improve the recruitment and retention of essential health care professionals. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-income rural health professionals earning below the income threshold qualify for the $10,000 tax credit. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The refundable tax credit provides financial assistance to lower-income qualifying healthcare workers. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged nurses, primary care practitioners, and mental health professionals working in rural areas are eligible for the tax credit. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retired individuals living in rural areas stand to gain from better-staffed local healthcare facilities. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors living in rural areas benefit from improved retention and availability of local health care providers. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Medical residents and early-career health professionals who are younger adults may benefit from the rural tax credit.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By offering a tax credit to rural health care providers, the bill incentivizes medical professionals to work in underserved rural communities. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill provides tax credits to mental health professionals working in rural areas, helping to improve access to mental health services.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this cut taxes for middle-income families? — The bill establishes a $10,000 refundable tax credit for eligible rural health care providers, reducing tax burdens for qualifying middle-income individuals.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill invests in rural communities by providing financial incentives to attract and retain essential health care workers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The refundable nature of the tax credit provides direct financial support that can benefit lower-income rural healthcare workers.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Tom BarrettRepublican · Michigan
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina