GAO Report Excerpt: Comparison of Aberdeen, Oklahoma City and Portland Areas (September 30, 2005) GAO Report: Health Care Services Are Not Always Available to Native Americans (September 30, 2005) Related Story: GAO report finds IHS care subject to limits, rations (October 11, 2005)

Don't get sick after June, a contract health service officer for the Indian Health Service warns.

Flora Odegaard, who works in Aberdeen, South Dakota, says the contract health service budget is $53 million. But due to rising costs of health care, she says the money covers only 40 percent of the need.

That means contract health service funds often run out by June, prompting IHS to approve funding on a priority basis. If funding is denied, the patient is stuck with the bill.

Inadequate funding is one of the issue being considered by the Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen�s Health Board. The board is holding its 25th annual consumer conference in Rapid City this week.

Get the Story:
Indian hospital funds run out quickly (The Rapid City Journal 10/27)

Relevant Links:
Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen�s Health Board - http://www.aatchb.org
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov
National Indian Health Board - http://www.nihb.org

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