The Indian Health Service is accepting comments until June 27 on a proposed Medicare rule.

A notice published today in the Federal Register outlines the proposal. The regulations will define how health clinics run by tribes, tribal organizations or urban Indian organizations receive payment for services provided by non-IHS facilities.

According to the notice, tribal health clinics have historically been billed at rates that "substantially exceeded" the standard Medicare rates for such services.

The rule seeks to address the situation by setting up a rate structure. It will "describe admission practices, payment methodology and rates of payment applicable to Medicare-participating hospitals that furnish inpatient services" to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The rule is required by Section 506 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.

Get the Notice:
Indian Health Service Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Federal Register April 28, 2006)

Relevant Documents:
Letter to Indian Health Board | Info for Pharmacy Patients

Relevant Links:
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov

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