Author: Valerie Davidson

Publication Year: 2006

Last Updated: 2016-04-06 

Journal: I.H.S. Agency Report

Keywords: Legislative update, IHS, Indian Health Service, FMAP, federal medical assistance program, FMAP, Eligibility Reform, CMS, Centers for Medicaid Services, HHS, Health and Human Services, Self-Determination

Abstract:

The United States has a duty to provide health care services to AI/ANs. The Congress has generally assigned this responsibility to the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  It funds IHS through direct appropriations and, since 1976, through authority for IHS and tribes and tribal organizations that carry out IHS programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended (ISDEAA), to bill Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other third-party payors. Because the responsibility is Federal, Congress also authorized 100 percent Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for States that reimburse for services provided through IHS and tribal facilities. Thus, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has become a partner to IHS in fulfilling the Federal responsibility, albeit often a reluctant one.

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