American Indian/Alaska Native Healthcare

Here at Palmetto GBA, we join the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in celebrating the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and affiliated Island communities in commemoration of their rich histories to ensure that their many valuable contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation in the United States. 

Members of 573 federally-recognized American Indian, Alaskan Native Tribes and their descendants are eligible for services provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.56 million of the nation’s estimated 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHS strives for maximum tribal involvement in meeting the health care needs of its service population, who live mainly on or near reservations and in rural communities, primarily in the western United States and Alaska.

The CMS Division of Tribal Affairs works closely with American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) communities and leaders to enable access to culturally competent health care to eligible CMS beneficiaries in Indian Country.

In 2015, 21 percent of AIs and ANs were uninsured (down from 43 percent in 2013), which is nearly twice the rate for African Americans and approximately 12 percent more than the rate of uninsured non-Hispanic Whites. According to the IHS, mortality rates for AIs and ANs remain higher than other Americans in many categories, including chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, unintentional injuries, assault/homicide, intentional self-harm/suicide and chronic lower respiratory disease. You, the provider, can help address disparities and recommend preventive services.  According to the HHS, the lingering health disparities of AIs and ANs are troubling. In trying to account for the disparities, health care experts, policymakers and tribal leaders are looking at many factors that impact upon the health of Indian people, including the adequacy of funding for the Indian health care delivery system.

CMS has developed an informative video regarding the impact of federal programs highlighting the history of Indian Health Care and CMS Tribal Consultation: The Role of CMS in Indian Health Care.

Enrollment in CMS programs benefits AI/AN individuals, their families and their communities. As it assists in the reduction of health disparities and improves health status by providing greater access to preventative and specialty care. You, the provider, can find more information at CMCS Informational Bulletin: Strategies to Enroll American Indian and Alaska Native Families and Children in Medicaid and CHIP (PDF). 

References and Resources

• CDC Healthy Tribes
   
• CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities (PDF)
   
• CMS Medicare for American Indians and Alaska Natives
   
• CMS Outreach and Education Resources 
   
• Coverage to Care Roadmap to Better Care (Tribal Version) (PDF)
   
• Medicare Preventive Services
   
• Preventive & Screening Services webpage
   
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Indian Health Service
   
• U.S. Department of Interior: Indian Affairs
   
• YouTube: The Role of CMS in Indian Health Care