Include Native Americans in the Health Reform Debate

Include Native Americans in the Health Reform Debate
Native American Legislative Update: July 1, 2009


Health Care for Indian Country

Native Americans and their allies are working to have their voices heard in the national health reform debate. While members of Congress debate over the kind of health care the government should or should not provide, they must remember that providing health care for Native Americans has always been a responsibility.

Native Americans suffer from huge health disparities. Rates of physical and mental illness among Native American communities are exponentially higher than other groups, resulting in much lower average life expectancies. Right now the Indian Health Service (IHS), which serves about 1.9 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives, only has funds to provide half of needed services.

The Obama Administration is aware of the problem. As a candidate, President Obama campaigned on reservations and promised to improve the Indian Health Care system. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called health care for American Indians an historic failure and promised to launch a multi-year effort to improve health care for Indian Country.

As the debate goes forward on health care reform for the whole nation, FCNL joins with Native American organizations in pressing for inclusion of tribal governments and tribal communities in emerging health care reform legislation.
Wasn't FCNL working on another Native American health care bill?

We remain committed to the passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and will continue to lobby for its passage until the legislation is signed into law. In the 111th Congress, IHCIA (H.R. 2708) has been introduced in the House, but the Senate has yet to introduce its version of the bill.

Check out website in the coming months for opportunities to take action on Native American health care.

Will Congress Apologize to Native Americans? Does it Matter?

Rep. Dan Boren (OK) and Sen. Sam Brownback (KS) recently introduced "a joint resolution to acknowledge a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies by the United States Government regarding Indian tribes and offer an apology to all Native Peoples on behalf of the United States."

The pending resolutions (H J Res. 46 and S J Res. 14) do not provide monetary compensation or reparations to tribes. The resolution offers a formal apology, but notes that it does not authorize or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States.

Tribes have differing opinions of the bill. Some say that an apology is the first step toward healing and reconciliation. Others say that without acknowledging the wrongs being committed today, the apology is meaningless.

However you feel about the official apology, it provides an excellent opportunity for Congress and faith communities to discuss the quality of life and social justice issues important to Indian Country, including adequate health, housing, and education programs.

More Money for Native Americans

Both the House and Senate are working out the details of the 2010 federal budget. In both houses, the money designated to Native Americans and to programs in Indian Country has increased significantly. The Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill directs more money toward Indian health care, law enforcement programs, and education."This Bill provides historic increases for vitally needed environmental improvements and for Native American programs, especially in Indian Health," said Rep. Norm Dicks.

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