What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a piece of legislation enacted by the United States Congress in 1976 that provides health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Act was compromised of several amendments to the Snyder Act of 1921. This legislation declared that the federal government had a “duty to promote the health and well-being of the Indians of the United States and to provide adequate and comprehensive health care services to them.” The IHCIA includes provisions to finance health care services, establish health promotion and disease prevention programs, and to provide health professionals with training and education. It also provides for the construction and renovation of Indian health care facilities. Furthermore, the Act helps fund the Indian Health Service, the federal agency that administers the health care services, and the Indian Health Programs, which are state-run programs providing health care services. In Michigan, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act has provided access to affordable health care for many Native Americans. The Act has helped fund local, tribal health care clinics, health centers and hospitals in rural and urban locations throughout the state. Clinics are staffed with qualified medical professionals and provide preventative, primary, and specialty care. Furthermore, the Act has helped support the Michigan Commission on Indian Affairs so its members can advocate for better Indian health care services. Overall, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is a cornerstone in Native American health care in Michigan. By improving access to health services, this Act has helped provide better health care outcomes for Native American communities.

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