What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a federal law that promotes the health and well-being of Native American and Alaska Native individuals and their communities through improved health care services. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act was passed in 1976 to provide comprehensive health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. This act increased the availability of health care services to Native American and Alaska Native people by allowing for the expansion of services and funding to tribes, tribal organizations, Indian Health Service programs, and urban health centers. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act also provides additional flexibility in contracting, stronger funding for preventive health care, and other medical services. It ensures that Native Americans have access to the same level of care that all Americans receive, giving tribes the ability to contract with the IHS for health services for members of their tribes. This helps to provide better access to care and reduce costs for Native Americans. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act also creates standards and regulations for health care providers, and requires them to be trained in the specifics of tribal health care laws. This ensures that Native Americans have access to culturally competent and informed health care providers. The IHCIA also provides additional funds for research and analysis of Native American health issues and improved health care access for tribes. Overall, The Indian Health Care Improvement Act is a law that provides Native Americans and Alaska Natives with better access to health care and improved quality of care. It also gives tribes the flexibility to contract with the IHS for health services, provides funds for research and development of Native American health issues, and mandates that health care providers adhere to cultural competency standards.

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