What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a federal law passed in 1976 that provides for the improvement of health care services for Native Americans living within the United States. The Act authorizes federal funds for the direct provision of health care to Native Americans, and sets out a range of services that states must provide to Native Americans. The services provided include any inpatient and outpatient health care services, preventive health care and mental health services, emergency medical services, and home health services. In New York, the IHCIA has enabled Native Americans to access programs that are afforded to other Americans. These programs include Medicaid, Medicare, and the Indian Health Service. Medicaid provides assistance to Native Americans who cannot afford health care, while Medicare provides assistance to those who are 65 or older. The Indian Health Service offers a broad range of services, including primary care services, preventive care, clinical services, and hospital care. It also provides health care services to Native Americans within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act also provides funding for research, training, technical assistance, and other activities to improve the availability and quality of health care services to Native Americans. In addition, it provides for the establishment of tribal health programs and the development of health care contracts and grant agreements between federal agencies and tribal health programs. Finally, the Act also provides for grants to tribal organizations, tribal health services, or other Indian organizations for the purpose of providing health services.

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