Barrett Joins Harrigan, Davis to Increase Rural Access to Quality Health Care

September 17, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined Congressmen Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Don Davis (NC-01) in introducing the Resources for Essential Access to Community Health (REACH) Act. This bipartisan legislation would incentivize health care professionals to serve rural areas and address critical workforce shortages. “Too many of our rural communities don’t have enough doctors and nurses to provide essential care for the local residents who need it,” said Barrett. “Where you live should never be a barrier to accessing quality care. By providing an incentive to attract these professionals to our communities, our bipartisan REACH Act will make health care more affordable and accessible for families in rural mid-Michigan.” Background Specifically, the REACH Act ( H.R. 10440 ) would provide a tax credit of up to $10,000 for primary care physicians (including OB-GYNs), mental health professionals, nurses, and medical residents who work at least 900 hours per year in a rural area. The tax credit would decrease for individuals making more than $170,000. Rural communities face especially severe shortages of medical professionals. Approximately 61% of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas are in rural communities, including Eaton and Shiawassee counties . The legislation builds on the historic Rural Health Transformation Program , which Barrett and his colleagues passed into law last year to lower costs and expand access to health care in rural communities. Michigan will be receiving $173 million through the program, including $25 million announced this month to improve technology and internet infrastructure to help rural residents access quality health care. CLICK HERE to read the REACH Act.