Representative Ruiz (D-CA) Introduces Legislation to Expand Resources for Urban Indian Organizations

The Urban Indian Health Parity Act (H.R. 1373), championed by Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and introduced by the National Council of Urban Indian Health as a priority legislative item, worked closely with Congressional members to advocate for resources to meet the unmet needs of Urban Indian Organizations especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Native communities. This bipartisan legislation with 12 original cosponsors will ensure that the American Indians and Alaskan Natives living outside of Tribal lands will receive quality healthcare. The bill specifies that the federal government’s responsibility will go beyond Tribal reservations to provide 100% Federal Medical Assistance to Urban Indian Organizations.

Why Does this Matter to UIOs?

With additional resources freed up by this legislation, UIOs will be able to expand patient care and provide more services to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

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