The Indian Health Service rejects many requests for outside care, leaving patients without treatment or facing large medical bills. The agency is supposed to provide free care to Native Americans but only does so at limited facilities. The Purchased/Referred Care program is meant to fill the gaps but faces funding shortages and administrative challenges. Eligibility is tied to tribal lands, leaving some Native Americans unable to access care. Patients may be denied funding or put on waitlists, with staffing shortages and communication issues complicating the process. The IHS aims to improve the program but advocates call for full funding of the agency to address these issues.
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Cash Shortages and Complex Rules Impede Native American Health-Care Access
