H.R.1418 - Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1418, the "Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025," amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. It primarily focuses on clarifying liability for payment of purchased/referred care services provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The bill aims to ensure that patients are not held liable for costs associated with authorized care and establishes a reimbursement process for out-of-pocket expenses.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in reduced financial burden on Native American patients who receive purchased/referred care services through the IHS. It also standardizes terminology by replacing "contract health care" with "purchased/referred care" throughout the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This change aims to provide clarity and consistency in the administration of healthcare services for Native American communities.
Potential Benefits
- Protects Native American patients from being held liable for authorized purchased/referred care costs.
- Establishes a reimbursement mechanism for patients who have paid out-of-pocket for authorized services.
- Clarifies and standardizes terminology related to Indian Health Service care programs.
- Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update relevant manuals and contracts to reflect the changes.
- Applies the amendments retroactively to services authorized on, before, or after the enactment date.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill's impact on tribal self-determination is mixed, as the reimbursement provisions do not automatically apply to programs operated under Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act compacts or contracts unless expressly agreed to by the tribe.
- The implementation of the reimbursement process may present administrative challenges for the IHS.
- There may be unforeseen consequences related to the retroactive application of the amendments.
- The bill does not address broader issues related to funding shortfalls within the Indian Health Service.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the Indian Health Service.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the federal government's treaty obligations to provide healthcare services to Native American tribes, which are often rooted in historical agreements. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention healthcare, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes. The bill's provisions related to healthcare access and financial responsibility could be interpreted as falling under this power. Additionally, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).