Written Testimony of Dr. Patrick Rock, MD, President-Elect of the National Council of Urban Indian Health before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2009 October 20th, 2009

Authors: Rock, Patrick MD
Publication Year: 2009
Last Updated: 2010-10-06 14:49:23
Journal: NCUIH
Keywords: H.R.2708, NSC, National Steering Commmittee, IHCIA, Indian health Care Improvement Act, Health Disparities

Short Abstract:

H.R. 2708 incorporates many of the recommendations made by the National Steering Committee and by including those recommendations have made the bill much stronger. The Indian health delivery system is well positioned to comprehensively address the high rates of health disparities facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. No other health delivery system blends public health and community based interventions with culturally competent health care better than the Indian health delivery system. With the enactment of H.R. 2708 the Indian health delivery system will receive a much needed modernization. NCUIH is delighted that Representative Pallone has seized the opportunity presented with health care reform to move the Indian Health Care Improvement Act forward. While NCUIH believes that there are some provisions that should be reconsidered or modified, we feel this is a stronger bill and its passage will make all Indian health providers stronger and more able to comprehensively address the health disparities suffered by American Indians and Alaska Natives. This testimony walks through some of the provisions about which we are particularly excited and grateful that the Committee has included them in the bill, as well as calling attention to some problematic provisions that we hope we can work with the Committee to remedy.

Abstract:

H.R. 2708 incorporates many of the recommendations made by the National Steering Committee and by including those recommendations have made the bill much stronger. The Indian health delivery system is well positioned to comprehensively address the high rates of health disparities facing American Indians and Alaska Natives. No other health delivery system blends public health and community based interventions with culturally competent health care better than the Indian health delivery system. With the enactment of H.R. 2708 the Indian health delivery system will receive a much needed modernization. NCUIH is delighted that Representative Pallone has seized the opportunity presented with health care reform to move the Indian Health Care Improvement Act forward. While NCUIH believes that there are some provisions that should be reconsidered or modified, we feel this is a stronger bill and its passage will make all Indian health providers stronger and more able to comprehensively address the health disparities suffered by American Indians and Alaska Natives. This testimony walks through some of the provisions about which we are particularly excited and grateful that the Committee has included them in the bill, as well as calling attention to some problematic provisions that we hope we can work with the Committee to remedy.

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