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Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025
3/17/2025, 12:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1418
Specifically, the bill aims to clarify and streamline the process for payment of charges or costs associated with purchased/referred care services within the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This includes ensuring that Native Americans have access to necessary healthcare services without facing financial burdens or challenges related to payment.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for other purposes related to improving healthcare services for Native Americans. These provisions may include measures to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery within Native American communities. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1418 seeks to address important issues related to healthcare access and affordability for Native Americans by making necessary amendments to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. By improving the process for payment of charges or costs associated with purchased/referred care services, the bill aims to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services available to Native Americans.
Congressional Summary of HR 1418
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025
This bill specifies that the Indian Health Service (IHS) must reimburse patients for their out-of-pocket costs for authorized purchased/referred care services within 30 days. (The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. However, when services are not available, IHS beneficiaries may be referred to private providers. This is called purchased/referred care.)
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and implement procedures to allow a patient who paid out of pocket for purchased/referred care services authorized by the IHS to be reimbursed by the IHS for that payment no later than 30 days after the patient submits required documentation.
Additionally, the bill requires HHS to update applicable provisions of and exhibits to the Indian Health Manual, contracts with providers, and other relevant documents and administrative authorities to incorporate the provisions of the bill.
The bill also replaces statutory references to contract health service with purchased/referred care.
Current Status of Bill HR 1418
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1418
Total Number of Sponsors
6Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
6Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
13Democrat Cosponsors
7Republican Cosponsors
6Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1418
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1418
Comments
Micah Hernandez
9 months ago
I think it's good that they're trying to address payment issues in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
