Long Term Services and Supports
The Indian Health Service is working in partnership with Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations to increase access to long term services and supports for elders and younger individuals with disabilities.
Long Term Care in Indian Country: New Opportunities and New Ideas
November 1 and 2, Washington, DC.
On November 1 - 2, 2010 in Washington, DC, we explored new opportunities and new ideas in long term care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the context of the recent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Indian Health Service leadership and staff, tribal and urban leadership, tribal, urban, and IHS health program administrators, and representatives from the Administration on Aging, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Veterans Administration, the HHS Office on Disability, and other federal agencies participated in this vital conversation. Click Here for Final Report. [PDF - 744KB]
In September, 2010, grants were awarded to:
Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck Reservation
Implementation
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation
Assessment/Planning
Gila River Indian Community
Implementation
Kodiak Area Native Association
Implementation
Nevada Urban Indians, Inc
Assessment/Planning
Qutekcak Native Tribe
Implementation
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
Implementation
Suquamish Tribe
Implementation
Tanana Chiefs Conference
Implementation
Yurok Tribe
Implementation
The Indian Health Care Improvement Act and Long Term Services and Supports
Groundbreaking language giving the IHS specific authorities for provision of long term care is a part of the Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009, which amended the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and was included in the Affordable Care Act.
These authorities represent a major step forward in the effort to provide long term services and supports in our communities, although they only authorize services and do not provide any new funding specific to long-term care.
For more information on Elder Care, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Long Term Services and Supports, contact Dr. Bruce Finke, IHS and Nashville Area Elder Health Consultant:
413-584-0790 • bruce.finke@ihs.gov
