Indian Health Care Improvement Act to Be Reauthorized

The legislation, sponsored by Chair Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), would seek to increase the number of American Indians in health care professions, increase funds for screening and health prevention programs, and request the establishment and modernization of health clinics. In addition, the bill would address access to care issues for American Indians and expand mental health care programs.

Two House committees have passed similar legislation

However, efforts to reauthorize the law have been "met with Republican resistance in four consecutive Congresses," as health care services for American Indians in urban areas have become a "point of contention for a Republican faction," according to Indian Country Today

Dorgan said that the bill is a first step in efforts to improve the Indian Health System and that he hopes to develop a "significant reform plan" to address problems with the system.

Source-Kaiser Family Foundation
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