For too many Native Americans, the adage “Don’t get sick after June” once applied—because Indian Health Service (IHS) funds sometimes dwindled then—but soon it may be a different story with different outcomes.
For example, Colorado’s two tribal nations can keep IHS health care as it is at present, create a tribal health plan for their members, or craft a hybrid IHS/tribal plan through the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange), slated to open in October 2013. Tribes in other states would also have options.
The possible Native plans and state health exchanges are a part of the federal Affordable Care Act, which is to enable low- and moderate-income individuals and small employers to obtain affordable health coverage. It also permanently authorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
The Southern Ute Indian and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes “are exploring their options,” Myung Oak Kim, Exchange communications and outreach specialist, said of the tribes in southwestern Colorado.
Read more: http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/07/27/indian-health-care-choices-widen-through-state-exchanges-125803#ixzz28STgKUoB