American Indian health policy: historical trends and contemporary issues

Am J Public Health. 2014 Jun;104 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S263-7. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301682. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

The United States has a trust responsibility to provide services to American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons. However, a long-standing history of underfunding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) has led to significant challenges in providing services. Twentieth century laws, including the Snyder Act, Transfer Act, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) have had an effect on the way health services are provided. IHCIA was reauthorized as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Several provisions in ACA allow for potential improvements in access to services for AI/AN populations and are described herein. Although policy developments have been promising, IHS underfunding must be resolved to ensure improved AI/AN health.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Health Policy / history*
  • Health Policy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Health Policy / trends
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • United States
  • United States Indian Health Service / history*
  • United States Indian Health Service / legislation & jurisprudence
  • United States Indian Health Service / trends