What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a federal law that provides services to improve the health and welfare of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHCIA was enacted in 1976 in order to improve the health of Native Americans living in California and throughout the United States. The IHCIA works to improve access to medical care and health services for Native Americans by helping to fund Indian Health Service clinics, tribal and urban Indian health programs, and other organizations that provide health care to Native people. The IHCIA also seeks to improve the quality of health care services available to Native Americans in California and beyond. For example, it helps to fund health programs that address mental health, substance abuse, environmental health, and diabetes, among others. It also provides grants to tribal health centers to improve their capacity to provide healthcare services to Native Americans. Additionally, the IHCIA strives to improve the health of Native Americans by providing education and prevention services, as well as supporting culturally appropriate and culturally competent health care practices. In addition, the IHCIA provides special health benefits to members of federally recognized tribes and their families who live in California. These benefits include coverage for medical and dental care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and other health services. The IHCIA also seeks to improve the quality of health care services available to Native Americans by providing for cultural and linguistic competency training for medical professionals. Overall, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is an important federal law dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Native Americans living in California and throughout the United States. The IHCIA provides direct services, like health benefits and grants, as well as indirect services like education and prevention. It works to ensure that Native Americans have access to the health care they need and deserve.

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