HB 608

Abstract

Health Enterprise Zone Program and Fund. Establishes the Health Enterprise Zone Program and Fund to target state resources to (i) reduce racial, ethnic, and geographic health disparities; (ii) improve access to health care in underserved communities; (iii) reduce hospital admission and readmission rates; and (iv) reduce health care costs in the Commonwealth. The bill establishes eligibility criteria for localities seeking designation as health enterprise zones and provides for the payment of funds from the Health Enterprise Zone Fund to designated localities for (a) implementation of strategies and interventions proposed in the application for designation as a health enterprise zone and (b) provision of education loan repayment assistance or financial assistance to defray the cost of capital improvements or equipment purchase by health care providers in the health enterprise zone, as described in the application for designation as a health enterprise zone. The bill requires the State Department of Health to report annually by December 1 to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Health, Welfare and Institutions and the Senate Committees on Finance and Education and Health on the status of the Program. The bill has an expiration date of July 1, 2025.