Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA)

Introduction

Section 409 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act authorized Tribes and Tribal organizations that are operating programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act (ISDEAA) to access the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers the FEHB and FEGLI.

Information from OPM

OPM wrote a letter on implementations coming to FEHB and FEGLI in 2010 to enable Tribes and Tribal organizations carrying out programs under ISDEAA to purchase coverage for all of their employees and announce plans for further consultation. An additional letter on the the initiation of Tribal consultation between OPM and IHS can be found below.

FEHB Tools for Tribes

Each Tribe or Tribal organization decides whether to participate in these programs based on their unique business needs. To support Tribes during the consultation process, NIHB has provided a list of helpful documents for Indian Country.

information hub

Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) news
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) resources
Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Partner Resources
Upcoming Events
March 4, 2025 - March 5, 2025

National Indian Health Board will host the Tribal Health Data Symposium on March 4–5, 2025

related multi-media
Browse the rest of Government Affairs

Explore more about our mission and work

SEARCH

NIHB Response to Executive Orders

President Trump’s recent Executive Orders on federal funding could have serious implications for Tribal health. NIHB is actively advocating for Tribal Nations and providing key updates—click to learn more and access resources.