Heinrich Secures Inclusion Of Indian Health Reform In Health Insurance Reform Bill

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) today announced that he was able to secure language to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) in the House version of the health insurance reform bill.

"Our country desperately needs health insurance reform--but our pursuit of reform cannot leave Native Americans behind," said Rep. Heinrich. "I represent tens of thousands of Native Americans in central New Mexico, and my constituents have made it clear that they cannot wait any longer for health care reform in Indian Country."

The first step in Indian health care reform is reauthorizing IHCIA, which governs the Indian Health Care System (IHS). IHS is the provider of choice for many Native American patients. Unfortunately, IHCIA was last reauthorized in 1992, and that reauthorization expired eight years ago. An amendment authored by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (WV-3), would reauthorize the program until 2025 and make the most urgent reforms to the program. Reauthorization will allow much-needed reforms to the Indian Health Service to move forward.

Following weeks of negations and discussion, Heinrich sent a letter on October 14 to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Chairman George Miller urging the inclusion of reauthorization of the IHCIA as part of comprehensive health insurance reform. By supporting IHCIA reauthorization, Congress can ensure comprehensive health care reform addresses the needs of Indian Country.

"As we continue to debate health insurance reform, we must remember that true reform must include all Americans--this includes our nation's Indian Country. I want to thank Congressman Heinrich for his work on behalf of Native Americans, and for his leadership to assure the reauthorization of ICHIA," said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"I commend Congressman Heinrich for working with the House Leadership to advocate for the needs of Indian Country. Rep. Heinrich continues to show great leadership in the House, particularly on behalf of Native Americans," said Representative Xavier Becerra, vice chair of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus.

"Passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act is a vital component of health care reform for the American Indian/Alaska Native health care system. Representative Heinrich has been a great ally in making sure Native Americans are included in comprehensive health care reform," said Ken Lucero (Pueblo of Zia), director, RWJF Center for Native American Health Policy at the University of New Mexico.

"Congressman Heinrich is taking Indian health care seriously and making sure Native communities will not be overlooked in overall health care reform. Meeting the health care needs in tribal and urban communities is critical in New Mexico and as a mother, is important to me and my family. This move recognizes that we are stronger together as a nation when the health of all of our communities is factored into the health care debate in a meaningful way," said Ozawa Bineshi Albert (Yuchi/Annishinaabe), Center for Community Change.

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