"The reform bill that I supported and the President signed into law is right for Montana and for Indian Country.

How does the law improve health care in Indian Country?

Most importantly, it permanently reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which expired in 2000. The law will modernize health service delivery in Indian Country, improve access to quality care, and fulfill the government’s trust responsibility to provide adequate health care.

Enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for American Indians will be streamlined, and health care quality and access is strengthened across the board.

And the new law means Montana’s American Indians can choose their own providers, including tribal health providers and the Indian Health Service.

The folks in Indian Country face big challenges, especially when it comes to health care. This new law means the government finally lives up to its end of the bargain and helps American Indians reach the goal of quality, affordable care."

Get the Story:
Sen. Jon Tester: Health care reform right for Indian Country (Buffalo Post 3/27)

Indian Health Care Improvement Act:
S.1790 | H.R.2708

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