Energy and Commerce Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation, titled the "Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025," significantly amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to redefine liability for medical services. It explicitly states that a patient is not liable for charges or costs associated with purchased/referred care services authorized by the Indian Health Service, overriding any other law or patient agreement. This protection extends against providers, debt collectors, and any other entity seeking payment. The bill further mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reimbursement process within 120 days for patients who have paid out-of-pocket for these authorized services. Patients must be reimbursed within 30 days of submitting documentation, which can be done electronically or in-person at an IHS facility. These reimbursement provisions do not apply to tribal self-determination programs unless explicitly agreed upon by the respective tribe. Additionally, the Act directs a comprehensive update of all relevant documents, including the Indian Health Manual, to replace the term "contract health care" with "purchased/referred care" and incorporate the new liability provisions.
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-1418| House
| Updated: 2/18/2025
This legislation, titled the "Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025," significantly amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to redefine liability for medical services. It explicitly states that a patient is not liable for charges or costs associated with purchased/referred care services authorized by the Indian Health Service, overriding any other law or patient agreement. This protection extends against providers, debt collectors, and any other entity seeking payment. The bill further mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reimbursement process within 120 days for patients who have paid out-of-pocket for these authorized services. Patients must be reimbursed within 30 days of submitting documentation, which can be done electronically or in-person at an IHS facility. These reimbursement provisions do not apply to tribal self-determination programs unless explicitly agreed upon by the respective tribe. Additionally, the Act directs a comprehensive update of all relevant documents, including the Indian Health Manual, to replace the term "contract health care" with "purchased/referred care" and incorporate the new liability provisions.
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.