The Senate is scheduled to begin debate on S.1200, the Indian
Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007, on January 22,
2008. The bill will reauthorize and make amendments to the
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), which was originally
passed in 1976 and last reauthorized in 1992. IHCIA
reauthorization has been proposed by the last five Congresses.
The 109th Congress favorably reported legislation out of the
Indian Affairs and Finance Committees, but it did not pass the
Senate because S.4122 failed to pass by unanimous consent before
adjournment. The IHICAcreated the first comprehensive framework
for the delivery of health care services for Native peoples –
American Indians and Alaska Natives. Since 1992 though, while
mainstream health care has undergone a number of improvements
and modernizations, health care services for Native peoples have
lagged far behind. The failure of prior Congresses to address
the health care needs of Native peoples has resulted in a crisis
that needs immediate attentio