Congresswoman Tenney Introduces the Healthcare is Human Act to Support Providers Serving Rural and Underserved Communities

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Horsford (NV-04), announced the introduction of the Healthcare is Human Act of 2026, legislation that would provide a tax credit to health care professionals who deliver medical services in qualifying facilities, including rural and underserved communities and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

The Healthcare is Human Act of 2026 would amend the Internal Revenue Code to create a tax credit for licensed or certified health care professionals who provide services in qualifying facilities, including those located in federally designated health professional shortage areas and VA medical facilities. Under the legislation, eligible providers could receive a monthly tax credit ranging from $300 to $500, depending on the number of hours worked, encouraging providers to serve in areas where access to care is limited. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office review to evaluate how the credit affects health care workforce retention and access to care in underserved communities.

"Across Upstate New York and rural communities nationwide, too many families struggle to access timely medical care because there simply are not enough providers serving these areas," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The Healthcare is Human Act provides meaningful incentives for doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals to deliver care where it is needed most, including in health professional shortage areas and facilities serving our veterans. Strengthening our health care workforce is essential to ensuring families receive the care they deserve, and that rural and underserved communities are never left behind."

"Communities across Nevada know firsthand the consequences of healthcare workforce shortages. Every one of Nevada's 17 counties, urban and rural alike, is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area. As a result, too many Nevadans are forced to travel farther, wait longer, or go without the care they need. The Healthcare is Human Act provides a well-deserved financial incentive through a tax credit to help recruit and retain healthcare providers serving similarly situated communities. The least we can do is provide meaningful support for these frontline workers who dedicate their lives to caring for our communities," said Congressman Horsford.

"Healthcare is human - it's about real people who give everything of themselves to care for others. Yet too many are underpaid and undervalued, creating a deep unfairness for healthcare professionals as well as staffing shortages that cause serious social harm. The Healthcare is Human Act is historic: a federal bill to reward healthcare professionals with a tax credit for their extraordinary service. We are deeply grateful to Rep. Tenney and Rep. Horsford for leading this important bipartisan effort to recognize and support them," said Trina Spear, CEO and Co-Founder of FIGS.

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