14. Health Imbalances Driven by Federal Healthcare Policy
Decades of underfunding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) have led to ongoing health disparities among Native American communities. In 2022, the IHS budget was approximately $4,000 per patient, compared to the national average of $12,530 per person for healthcare expenditures. (congress.gov) This chronic underfunding has resulted in inadequate facilities, staffing shortages, and limited access to essential services. Consequently, Native communities experience higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancy compared to the general population. In response, tribes resist federal inaction and advocate for fully honoring treaty health obligations to ensure equitable healthcare access and improve health outcomes. (nihb.org)
