The National Indian Health Board and a coalition of Tribes and other partners are working with Congress and the Administration to secure advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) as part of the FY 2023 spending negotiations.
An advance appropriation is a commitment by Congress to provide money in a future year. For example, if the FY 2023 appropriation bill for the IHS includes an advance appropriation for FY 2024, then IHS can spend money in FY 2024 without the need for an FY 2024 appropriation bill. If IHS were to receive advance appropriations, it would not be subject to the harmful and disruptive effects of government shutdowns or short-term stopgap measures since its base funding for the next year would already be in place.
Disruptions in federal funding make it very difficult for Tribal health providers and IHS to address the health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The federal government already protects healthcare programs for seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals, but continues to tolerate the status quo for Tribes. This discriminatory treatment needs to end this year. IHS Advance appropriations improve Tribal and Indian Health Service (IHS) program efficiency, reduce government waste, and save lives.
To learn more about 2023 National Native American Heritage Month, or for media inquiries, please contact Ned Johnson at [email protected].
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