Nadine Gracia: Breaking down barriers for better Indian health

Earlier this year, I had the privilege to visit the Wind River Indian Reservation to meet with tribal leaders and community members about the challenges faced by American Indians. We know that this community frequently contends with issues that prevent them from receiving quality health care including cultural differences, geographic isolation, environmental threats, and low income—all factors that impact health. But what resonated with me most during my visit was the enduring hope that sprung forth from the community—a hope that with sound resources and opportunities, these barriers can be broken down.

One barrier that we are striking down is access to affordable, quality health care for American Indians/Alaska Natives. And since the passage of the Affordable Care Act five years ago, America’s Native population has greater coverage from a variety of providers including their local Indian health service units. This increased access provides a certain level of security that is a bright light amidst challenging life circumstances.

At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), we are working to ensure that American Indians/Alaska Natives—who face significant health disparities including higher rates of uninsurance, higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic liver disease, higher rates of suicide, and lower life expectancy—have access to coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. To increase awareness of the opportunities and benefits for American Indians/Alaska Natives made possible by the Affordable Care Act, we have created a new infographic that answers common questions, including information on the Indian health coverage exemption.