IHS Service Limits Impact Patient’s Ability to Access and Afford Care

In fiscal year 2022, Indian Health Service programs deferred or denied nearly $552 million for 120,000 care requests, reports the Daily Montanan. In turn, many indigenous patients have been forced to forgo necessary care, increasing the risk of death or serious illness for people with preventable or treatable medical conditions. Eligibility limitations tied to tribal lands restrict access to care.