Written Testimony of Geoffrey Roth, Executive Director of the National Council of Urban Indian Health before the House Committee on Natural Resources on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2009 June 25th, 2009
Authors: National Council of Urban Indian Health
Publication Year: 2009
Last Updated: 2010-10-05
Journal: NCUIH
Keywords: IHCIA, Indian Health Care Improvement Act, H.R.2708, NSC, National Steering Committee, Testimony, United States Congress
Abstract:
I would like to thank Representative Pallone for introducing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in this new Congress. I would also like to thank Representative Rahall for moving quickly ahead on this important legislation. It is my hope that in this new Congress that we can move forward on the critical issues facing the I/T/U system. H.R. 2708 incorporates many of the recommendations made by the National Steering Committee and by including those recommendations have made the bill much stronger. The Indian health delivery system is well positioned to comprehensively address the high rates of health disparities facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. No other health delivery system blends public health and community based interventions with culturally competent health care better than the Indian health delivery system. With the enactment of H.R. 2708 the Indian health delivery system will receive a much needed modernization. NCUIH is delighted that Representative Pallone has seized the opportunity presented with health care reform to move the Indian Health Care Improvement Act forward. While NCUIH feels that there are some provisions that should be reconsidered or modified, we feel this is stronger bill and its passage will make all Indian health providers stronger and more able to comprehensively address the health disparities suffered by American Indians and Alaska Natives. This testimony walks through some of the provisions about which we are particularly excited and grateful that the Committee has included them in the bill, as well as calling attention to some problematic provisions that we hope we can work with the Committee to remedy.
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