01 — The Text
What.
- Requires Indian Health Service to reimburse Native patients within 30 days when they pay out-of-pocket for authorized medical care.
- Applies when IHS refers patients to private providers because services aren't available through IHS directly.
- Directs HHS to update manuals, contracts, and procedures to implement the 30-day reimbursement requirement.
- Replaces outdated term 'contract health service' with 'purchased/referred care' throughout federal Indian health documents.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Native American and Alaska Native patients win faster access to their money after paying for necessary medical services.
- Currently, reimbursement timelines are unclear and often slow, leaving patients waiting indefinitely or covering costs themselves.
- IHS and contracted providers must adopt new administrative processes, creating short-term compliance costs.
- Affects roughly 2.6 million federally recognized Native Americans who depend on IHS for healthcare access.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill is in Senate Committee on Indian Affairs after hearings held February 2026. Committee must vote to advance or it stalls.
- If approved, moves to full Senate floor for debate and vote before any House consideration.
- Contact your senators to state your position on faster IHS reimbursement timelines for Native patients.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Feb 4, 2026 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Feb 24, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Feb 24, 2025 — Introduced in Senate