Authors: Ignace, G.

Publication Year: 2008

Last Updated: 2010-10-05

Journal: NCUIH

Keywords: NCUIH, Testimony, Health Disparities, Health Care Reform, HCR, Snyder Act, IHCIA, Indian Health Care Improvement Act, H.R.1328

Abstract:

Introduction: On behalf of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), our 36 member clinics, and the 150,000 American Indian/Alaska Native patients that we serve annually, I would like to thank the Health Subcommittee for this opportunity to submit testimony on “Addressing Disparities in Health and Healthcare: Issues for Reform.” The Native American community suffers the highest rates of health disparities of any minority group. Moreover, Congress has repeatedly recognized over the decades the staggering health disparities suffered by the First Americans. Congress was first horrified into action by these health disparities in 1927 when Congress passed the Snyder Act. In 1976 Congress renewed their dedication to end these disparities with the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and again in 1986 and in 1992. Now the Native American community waits for the House of Representatives to again renew their pledge to eradicate the alarming health disparities suffered by the Native American Community by passing HR 1328, the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. With all the legislation passed one would think that the health disparities and barriers to access suffered by American Indians and Alaska Natives would have been ended or at least ameliorated and yet these disparities persist.

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Source: https://www.congress.gov/event/110th-congress/house-event/LC7719/text