Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, is asking tribes for their views on Indian health care reform.

The committee has held a series of hearings and listening sessions on the Indian Health Service. Dorgan released a concept paper with possible solutions to issues like contract support costs, contract health service funding, urban Indians and facilities construction.

A major goal is passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Other proposals include permanent authorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and changes to the Medicaid, Medicare and Children's Health Insurance Program.

Comments on the concept paper can be sent to health@indian.senate.gov or faxed to (202) 228-2589.

Relevant Documents:
Indian Health Care Reform Concept Paper (July 6, 2009)