news

I believe improving Indian Health Care is an important issue, which is why I helped introduce H.R. 1328, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  This bill would revise the previous Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and extend health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have a life expectancy that is six years less than the national average and a rate of diabetes that is disproportionately higher than the national average.  The priority of this bill is to ensure by 2010, that the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives is raised to the same level that is set for other Americans.  Previously lower established thresholds have been accepted in the past and this has undermined the standard of health care provided.

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act will provide the opportunity for Indians to set forth their health care priorities and make goals that reflect what they need.  There would also be a policy which requires consultation with Indian tribes, tribal health organizations and urban Indian programs to create the best and most effective health care system for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The need for the construction of new health care facilities and also the renovation and expansion of existing facilities is also addressed in this bill.  Additionally, the General Accounting Office will be required to prepare a report which outlines the needs of the Indian Health Service, Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Urban Indian Organizations with updates to be made every five years.