The Senate voted 60 to 39 on Saturday to move forward with debate on H.R.3590, the health reform bill.

As currently written, the bill does not include the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. But it does contain some provisions that would benefit American Indians and Alaska Natives, particularly a section that exempts health care provided by tribal governments from federal income taxes.

The House included a permanent reauthorization of the IHCIA in H.R.3692, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Get the Story:
Indian health should be part of health reform bill (The Bemidji Pioneer 11/20)
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Senate Democrats vote to bring health bill to floor for debate (The Washington Post 11/22)

Indian Health Care Improvement Act:
S.1790 | H.R.2708

Related Stories:
Senate Indian Affairs action on IHCIA postponed (11/19)
IHCIA passes House as part of health reform bill (11/9)
Rosebud President: Take action for Indian health (11/3)
Rep. Hastings objects to IHCIA in health reform bill (10/30)
House panel holds hearing on Indian health care (10/21)
Dorgan renews push for Indian health care bill (10/19)
Dorgan introduces updated version of health bill (10/15)
Dorgan readies 'streamlined' version of IHCIA (10/13)
Health reform bill includes tribal tax exemption (9/22)