The Affordable Care Act and the Indian Health Service

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs, and improve health care quality and coordination. The ACA also includes permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which extends current law and authorizes new programs and services within the Indian Health Service.

On this page, you can find links and resources to information about the Affordable Care Act acquired through email correspondence from the IHS and HHS Director's, and pamphlets, brochures and applications to help you learn more about this new law.

October 27, 2016
Covered California for American Indians (Link to non-IHS website): Millions of American Indians will be able to choose affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage offered through Covered California™ that will take effect January 2014.

October 27, 2016
Health Insurance Market Place (Link to non-IHS website): What it means for American Indian & Alaska Natives

October 27, 2016
Health Care Coverage - Exemptions: How do I qualify for an exemption from the fee for not having health coverage?

January 13, 2014
Update on Covered California for American Indians - January 2014: List of Tribal Health programs with Covered California Certified Enrollment Counselors; Premium Payments deadline extended; FAQ: Can I decline Medi-Cal and enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan?; CoveredCA.org Provider Directory; Outreach Evevnts

September 25, 2013
CMS Marketplace Brochure (PDF): Health Insurance Marketplace: What it Means for American Indians and Alaska Natives

September 11, 2013
Q & A on the Affordable Care Act for AI/AN

August 29, 2013
Covered California (Link to non-IHS website): Find out what health insurance plans you can buy, and if you qualify for monthly premium assistance.

August 12, 2013
A Message from DHHS Secretary Sebelius - Affordable Care Act: Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and has the potential to help so many Americans.

IHS prepares for Affordable Care Act implementation (Link to IHS.gov site): The Indian Health Service (IHS) held an Indian Health Partnerships Conference in Denver, Colorado, on August 13 to 15, 2013, to train key health system staff on Affordable Care Act implementation requirements.