To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to address liability for payment of charges or costs associated with provision of purchased/referred care services, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · February 12, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
This bill amends federal law governing healthcare services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities by clarifying liability protections for patients using purchased and referred care services, which are healthcare services obtained outside of tribal health facilities. The legislation protects patients from being held responsible for paying bills to healthcare providers, debt collectors, or other entities when the Indian Health Service authorizes but fails to pay for these services. The bill also requires the Indian Health Service to establish a reimbursement process within 120 days, allowing patients who paid out-of-pocket for authorized care to be reimbursed within 30 days of submitting documentation either electronically or in person at tribal health programs. These changes aim to reduce the financial burden on Native American patients when the federal government does not promptly cover authorized medical expenses. The bill was introduced in February 2024 with bipartisan support from senators representing states with significant Native American populations.
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