What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a United States federal law that provides Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages with healthcare services. The IHCIA was enacted in 1976 and was originally intended to improve the health care of Native Americans by expanding access to health care services and by improving the quality of health care services available. The IHCIA provides Native Americans with health care services, including preventive care, primary care, mental health care, dental care, and more. Additionally, the IHCIA requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide health care services to Native Americans under certain circumstances. These services are provided in the same manner as private insurers provide benefits. In Tennessee, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is administered by the inter-tribal Indian Health Board of Tennessee. The IHB-TN is responsible for developing programs and initiatives that provide access to health care services for eligible Native American individuals and families, including those living on reservations or in rural areas. Additionally, the IHB-TN provides educational and technical assistance services to tribal health care providers and assists in the establishment of tribal health systems. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act is an important law that provides Native Americans in Tennessee with access to health care services and increases the quality of care they receive. This law helps to ensure that Native Americans have access to the same quality of health care services as other Americans and helps to reduce disparities in health care access.

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