Authors: Donald Warne and Linda Bane Frizzell

Publication Year: 2014

Keywords: Federal Health Care; Health Care Access; Health Care Reform; IHS; Medicare; Medicaid; Affordable Care Act

Short Abstract: The United States has a trust responsibility to provide services to American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons. However, a long-standing history of underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) has led to significant challenges in providing services. Twentieth-century laws, including the Snyder Act, Transfer Act, Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act, and Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) have had an effect on the way health services are provided. IHCIA was reauthorized as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Several provisions in ACA allow for potential improvements in access to services for AI/AN populations and are described herein. Although policy developments have been promising, IHS underfunding must be resolved to ensure improved AI/AN health.

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article