A patient and pharmacist at the Rosebud Indian Hospital on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Photo from U.S. Public Health Service Pharmacists / Facebook
The Indian Health Service has drafted a new policy regarding the purchase of health coverage. Tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations are being asked to comment about the policy. It explains how they can use federal funds to purchase health insurance for eligible IHS patients. “This new draft policy on sponsoring health premiums is one important way IHS works with and supports tribes in their efforts to enhance access to care for their members, improve third-party collections, and achieve cost savings,” Mary Smith, the leader of the IHS, said in a press release. “By using their health care funds to purchase qualified health plans for their tribal members, tribes can maximize the benefits for their members.” Letters were sent to tribal leaders and urban Indian organizations regarding the policy. Comments are being accepted until August 17. As part of the outreach effort, the IHS will host a telephone session on July 25 to discuss the policy.
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