The Cherokee Phoenix tried to find out what the definition of "Indian" under the Affordable Care Act means but was unable to secure a definitive answer.

The paper called the Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies. The Cherokee Nation also said it hasn't heard anything from the Obama administration.

The definition of "Indian" will affect thousands, and potentially hundreds of thousands, of American Indians and Alaska Natives who possess a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood or can document their Indian heritage in order to receive care through the IHS.

These Indians might have to pay a tax penalty for failing to carry health insurance because the health care reform law appears to require membership in a federally recognized tribe or in an Alaska Native corporation.

Get the Story:
Natives in limbo under Affordable Care Act (The Cherokee Phoenix 6/4)

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