PRC at IHS…failing the ones who it is intended for Treaties exchanged aboriginal lands for federal trust responsibilities and benefits. The Snyder Act authorized funds ‘for the relief of distress and conservation of health…[and] for the employment of…physicians…for Indian tribes throughout the United States: (1921). Transfer Act placed Indian health programs in the IHS (1955).
The appropriation to IHS by congress to provide medical services and health care programs are made available through the Snyder Act of 1921. The IHS must compete with other agencies for federal funds through congress; therefore, funds appropriated for IHS programs cannot be designated as entitlement programs.
The term Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) originated under BIA when medical health care services were contracted out to health care providers. In 1955, the Transfer Act moved health care from BIA to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare; establishing the IHS.
Everyday throughout our country people from all ethnic backgrounds will seek medical treatment for various ailments and sickness. Some will receive care from providers who offer some of the best care money can buy. Others will receive care through their provider and it will be paid for through health insurance and a co-pay. The less fortunate, who cannot afford insurance will rely heavily on community health care centers to seek treatment. Our First Nations people will most likely seek care at the nearest Indian Health Services facility because that is their legal right to do so. And because IHS has been their provider for most, if not all their lives. However, unfortunately for many Indian people. The lines of health care and the right of access has somehow gotten eschewed throughout the years. This is a fault that lies, in my opinion, on the federal government, IHS and the patient themselves. Somewhere, quality health care for Indian peoples has turned into a desperate quest: to grossly underfund IHS by the federal government; by IHS: to create such bureaucratic and inhumane obstacles for Indian people to adhere to that it makes exercising their trust rights impossible. And finally, by Indian people themselves; their severe lack of education about how the health care system in Indian country operates and how that lack of education is costing them both physically and financially. We have a dire situation in Indian country right now that seems to be getting far less attention than it should. The Purchased Referred Care program that exists at IHS has become, what I call, the single greatest threat to Indian people’s ability to create economic prosperity and financial stability for themselves and their family, then any other issue in Indian country. When PRC is dissected, and a patient investigates the policies and procedures the program operates under. It becomes apparent that the goal of this program is not, to encourage Indian people to utilize a program that exists because of trust rights. Rather, it seems this program is designed to create such a level of adherence; with deadlines, paperwork, and documentation. That a patient is almost guaranteed to not meet criterion, even though they may be an eligible, enrolled member of a tribe. And in many cases, have a higher degree of Indian blood than others who are approved for the program.
Kellen Returns From Scout is the current president of the He Sapa American Indian Business Leaders at Oglala Lakota College where he is a senior majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. Kellen was recently named Mr. AIHEC 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for the organization where he will address the many issues facing tribal colleges and their students. He will continue to be an avid champion of people exercising their right to vote and becoming involved in their community through participation and service. You can follow the American Indian Business Leaders on Facebook @OLCHeSapaAIBL. Or email Kellen at [email protected]