What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a federal law that was passed in 1976 and amended in 2010. The Act provides for the development and improvement of health care for Native Americans living in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the state of Oklahoma. The Act’s purpose is to fund health services for members of federally-recognized Native American Tribes, including those living in the state of Oklahoma, and to improve the quality of care and coverage provided. The IHCIA provides resources for a variety of services including medical, dental, mental health care, preventive health care, substance abuse and rehabilitation services, long-term care, and health-related services such as home health care and hospice services. The Act also establishes standards and guidelines for the delivery of health care services to Native Americans, along with authorizing funding for health-related research and training. The IHCIA is of particular importance to Oklahoma, a state with a large proportion of Native Americans, as it helps to ensure the delivery of health care services specific to the needs of Native Americans. Additionally, the Act provides an avenue for the implementation of health care policies and procedures designed to protect Native American rights. This includes protecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, along with access to health care services.

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