01 — The Text
What.
- Extends the deadline for notifying the Indian Health Service's Purchased/Referred Care program from 72 hours to 15 days when Native Americans receive emergency care outside IHS facilities.
- Keeps the 30-day notification window for elderly and disabled patients—no change for them.
- Applies only to emergency medical situations, not routine care authorization.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Native American patients get more time to report emergency room visits or out-of-network hospital stays before IHS can deny payment, reducing administrative delays and missed coverage.
- Elderly and disabled Native Americans keep their longer 30-day window, maintaining current protections for vulnerable groups.
- IHS and tribal health systems benefit from clearer notification timelines and potentially faster claim processing.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill is in Senate committee after hearings in February 2026. It has only one cosponsor, limiting momentum.
- Contact your senator if you support easing bureaucratic barriers for Native American emergency care access.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Feb 4, 2026 — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.
- Mar 13, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Mar 13, 2025 — Introduced in Senate