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Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025
2/11/2026, 3:13 PM
Summary of Bill S 699
The main purpose of the bill is to clarify and streamline the process for payment of purchased/referred care services, which are services provided to Native Americans by non-Indian Health Service providers. The bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in the payment process, ensuring that Native Americans are not left with unexpected bills or charges.
In addition to addressing liability for payment of charges, the bill also includes provisions for improving access to healthcare services for Native Americans, including expanding telehealth services and increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Overall, Bill 119 s 699 seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for Native Americans while also addressing issues related to payment and liability for care services.
Congressional Summary of S 699
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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 699
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 699
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
2Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 699
Primary Policy Focus
Native AmericansAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 699
Comments
Saige Jacobson
1 year ago
I'm not sure how this will affect me, but it seems like this bill is trying to address some important issues with healthcare for Native Americans. It's sad that there are still so many challenges in accessing quality care for indigenous communities. Did you know that this bill also includes provisions for mental health services for Native Americans?
