Indian Health Care Improvement: Patient liability relief and direct reimbursement procedures.
This Act aims to protect patients using the Indian Health Service's Purchased/Referred Care program from being charged for authorized medical services. It explicitly states that patients are not liable for these costs, even to debt collectors. Furthermore, it establishes clear procedures for patients to receive prompt reimbursement (within 30 days) for authorized services they initially paid for out-of-pocket.
Key points
Financial Protection: Patients using the Purchased/Referred Care program are explicitly shielded from liability for authorized medical service charges, including against third-party debt collectors.
Terminology Update: The term 'contract health care' is replaced with 'purchased/referred care' throughout the relevant section of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Reimbursement Guarantee: New procedures mandate the Service to reimburse patients within 30 days for authorized services they paid for directly, upon submission of documentation.
Documentation Flexibility: Patients seeking reimbursement can submit their documentation electronically or in-person at an Indian health program.
Expired
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