The
Health Care Law
and
Date:
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• American Indians and Alaska Natives face some of the
worst health disparities.
• Insurance companies could take advantage of you and
discriminate against up to 129 million Americans with pre-
existing conditions.
• Premiums had more than doubled over the last decade,
while insurance company profits were soaring.
• Fifty million Americans were uninsured, tens of millions
more were underinsured, and those that had coverage
were often afraid of losing it.
The Problem
In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the
Affordable Care Act.
The law included a permanent reauthorization of the
Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
The Health Care Law
1. Permanent Reauthorization of the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act
2. Strengthening the Indian Health Service
3. Greater Access to Health Insurance Coverage
The Affordable Care Act benefits American
Indians and Alaska Natives
The government’s historical and unique legal relationship with Indian tribes
is based on treaties, laws, and Supreme Court decisions.
• Indian Health Service offers health care to AI/AN on or near Indian
reservations and in some Urban Indian communities.
• Health reform offers new opportunities to access health insurance to
AI/AN citizens and employees
Health Care and
Federal Responsibility
• Critical component of a productive Federal-tribal
relationship.
• Consultation and outreach efforts continue to provide
more education and information about the new law,
plans for its implementation and how it will impact
Indian Country.
• Activities include written and electronic
communication, monthly outreach calls, and listening
sessions.
• IHS Director’s blog, a key source of information for
Tribes: www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner
Listening to Indian Country:
Tribal Consultation
• The permanent reauthorization of the IHCIA is a critical piece of the
Affor