The Indian Health Service, which serves about 2.6 million Native Americans, often rejects funding requests for medical care, leaving many without treatment or facing high medical bills. The agency’s Purchased/Referred Care program aims to cover services like cancer treatment and pregnancy care but faces resource shortages and administrative issues. Eligibility for the program is limited based on tribal land residency, with many patients being denied or waitlisted. Despite a budget of nearly $7 billion, the Indian Health Service struggles to meet the needs of Native Americans, leading to preventable illnesses and high mortality rates compared to the general population.
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Patients Suffer When Indian Health Service Doesn’t Pay for Outside Care
