Many of us in the community have a bit of anxiety around the future of the Affordable Care Act. With such huge accomplishments in getting people health coverage across the state, we worry what impacts a repeal might have on the most vulnerable among us. This includes our Tribal community members, a population facing some of the greatest barriers to accessing care and good health. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) provides authority for Indian Health Systems to be reimbursed by health plans, run programs and supply grants to tribes, with the mission of elevating the health of Indians to the highest possible level. While originally enacted in 1976, it took nearly two decades of advocacy work for the Tribes before it was made permanent with Obama’s signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. While born of an entirely separate legislative effort, a repeal of the ACA could create great risk for Indian Health Systems without thoughtful consideration.
We’d like to share with you two letters, calling out the impact to Indian health improvement directly associated with this Act, and it’s importance. Click below to read the letters.
