Alaska Natives face credit problems over health

Friday, March 16, 2007  

Alaska Natives are facing ruined credit histories due to shortfalls in Indian Health Service funds.

The Chief Andrew Isaac Health Clinic in Fairbanks seeks between 10 to 25 patients a day. But up to half of them are denied coverage because the IHS only pays for “life and limb” emergencies at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Clinic.

The patients only find out when they are contacted by collection agencies, the clinic director said. That has the Tanana Chiefs Conference considering a resolution to ask IHS to provide notice for denied coverage.

Get the Story:
TCC eyes billing problems (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 3/16)

House Bill:
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 (H.R.1328)

Relevant Documents:
Letter to President Bush | Letter to Alberto Gonzales | DOJ White Paper

Relevant Links:
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov
National Indian Health Board - http://www.nihb.org

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