Legislative Update on HR 3200: Health Care Reform and IHCIA
October 31, 2009
After a long battle, Indian Country has the protections that we need in HR 3200 (click here). Thanks to amendments offered by Congressman Pallone and guarantees from the Speaker of the House, our health care of choice, the Indian Health Service, will be supported and sustained through this national reform movement.
Indian Health Care Improvement Act
The Speaker of the House announced on October 22nd that Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) of 2009, HR 2708 (click here), will be included in HR 3200, the Affordable Health Choices Act. Two changes were made to the bill Pallone introduced: (1) the licensing language in Sec. 221 will not be included and (2) the reauthorization period was extended and made permanent.
This opportunity is the best prospect we have had in passing a full reauthorization of IHCIA in 10 years. Please call your House members today and ask for their support of IHCIA.
House of Representatives Schedule:
· Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 6, possible floor debate on the House health reform bill.
ACTION ITEM:
Call your Representative today and ask them to support HR 3200, the Affordable Health Choices Act and our health bill, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Message:
· This is the only opportunity to get the IHCIA passed this year.
· If HR 3200 does not pass, we will not have another chance to move IHCIA in the House this session.
· Please support Indian Country’s health bill and vote to pass HR 3200.
To find you member visit: http://www.house.gov/
For additional information, please contact Ahniwake Rose at 202.466.7767 or arose@ncai.org.
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