Ruiz Secures Key Outcomes for National Tribal Health Programs in House Appropriations Bill

Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7608, the State, Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which included three major outcomes for the Indian Health Service which were priorities for Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D.

In March, Dr. Ruiz led a series of letters to the House Appropriations Committee calling for increased funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), appropriating $125 million for the IHS to upgrade their electronic health records system, and for a new line item and indefinite appropriation for IHS 105(l) leases for tribal health facilities. All three of Dr. Ruiz's priorities were passed out of the House as part of H.R. 7608.

"This is a great outcome for Native communities in my district and across the country," said Dr. Ruiz. "The Indian Health Service has been chronically underfunded for years and today's legislation that increases funding in key areas will improve health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals everywhere. I would like to thank Interior Appropriations Chair Betty McCollum for her partnership in securing these outcomes to advance the Indian Health Service."

The three priorities Dr. Ruiz requested were:

Dr. Ruiz and Rep. Young (R-AK) led 39 colleagues in calling for increased appropriations for the Indian Health Service. The FY21 Interior Appropriations bill includes $6.5 billion for the IHS, an increase of $445 million over FY20.

Dr. Ruiz and Rep. Mullin (R-OK) led six colleagues in calling for a new line item and indefinite appropriation for 105(l) lease agreements. The IHS is required, if requested by a tribe, to enter into a lease with the tribe or tribal organization for facilities used to administer health services. The FY21 Interior Appropriations bill includes a separate line item and indefinite appropriation for 105(l) leases. This outcome will relieve significant financial burdens on tribal health care programs and free up funds for health care delivery.

Dr. Ruiz and Rep. Mullin (R-OK) led 30 colleagues in requesting $125 million for the Indian Health Service to upgrade their electronic health records system. The CARES Act (PL 116-136) included $64 million for electronic health records upgrades followed by $61 million in H.R. 7608, completing the $125 million request.

Source