"Early Monday morning the Senate moved health care insurance reform one step closer to becoming law. But the steps ahead, in political terms, must be perfect.

But I don’t want to bury the lede: The Indian Health Care Improvement Act is now in both the Senate and House version of health care reform. That means it’s off the table when the Senate and House iron out differences in Conference Committee (probably in early January). If health care reform becomes law, so does the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. That should open up new revenue stream for the Indian Health system with new money for long-term care, more cancer screening and better mental health treatment options.

Other provisions in the health care bill itself should open up further resources, ranging from broader eligibility for Medicaid to higher reimbursement rates in rural areas.

Make no mistake: Indian Country benefits significantly from this health care reform legislation."

Get the Story:
Are we there yet? (Mark Trahant 12/21)

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