What is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act?

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is a federal law that seeks to improve the quality of health care provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Act was passed in 1976 and amended in 2000. It helps to ensure that Native Americans have access to quality and culturally-competent health care services, as well as to provide for the improvement of health outcomes and promote self-determination for Native American tribes. IHCIA grants the Indian Health Service (IHS) the authority to manage services and healthcare delivery to Native Americans. This includes access and services to additional prescriptions, mental health services, preventive health services and improved access to specialists. The IHCIA also provides funding and grants to non-IHS providers that provide health care services to Native Americans. The IHCIA also supports tribal health organizations and the development of tribal health plans. These plans help tribes determine how they will deliver health care services to their communities and create multiple pathways for Native Americans to access health care. Additionally, the IHCIA helps to improve quality, health outcomes and access to care for Native Americans. It promotes collaborations and partnerships between tribes, IHS, other federal agencies and other health care providers to help ensure that all American Indians and Alaska Natives have access to quality and culturally-competent health care services.

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