Authors: National Council of Urban Indian Health

Publication Year: 2009

Last Updated: 2010-09-30

Journal: NCUIH

Keywords: IHCIA, Indian Health Care Improvement Act, reauthorization, 2009, reform, IHS, Indian Health Service

Abstract:

THE INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT REAUTHORIZATION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY

This legislation has two purposes: 1) reauthorize and modernize the Indian Health Care law, and 2) reform the Indian health care system.

The health care services for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribally-operated health care programs or via urban Indian health care centers. The IHS, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides a comprehensive health care delivery system serving approximately 1.9 million AI/ANs living on or near reservations in 35 states.

On July 7, 2009, Chairman Byron L. Dorgan released a concept paper entitled, Reforming the Indian Health Care System. Many comments and recommendations were submitted to the Committee on Indian Affairs in response to the concept paper. Additionally, Committee staff met with tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations to discuss the concepts. The comments and recommendations have been utilized as the basis for development of the bill. Below is a section-by-section summary.

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