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 law.

CMS Marketplace Brochure (PDF)

Health Insurance Marketplace: What it Means for American Indians and Alaska Natives

By CMS

Covered California: Find out what health insurance plans you can buy, and if you qualify for monthly premium assistance.; By coveredca.com

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.

Covered California 101 for American Indians/Alaska Natives (PDF): PowerPoint presentation; By coveredca.com

Covered California for American Indians: Californians who are Native American and Alaska Natives have access to unique benefits under the Affordable Care Act.; By coveredca.com

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.

Health Insurance Market Place: What it means for American Indian & Alaska Natives; By HealthCare.gov

IHS Affordable Care Act: For American Indians and Alaska Natives, the ACA will help address health disparities by investing in prevention and wellness and increasing access to affordable health coverage.; By IHS.gov

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.

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