Bill to hold IHS accountable for payment will have hearing in the House

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Representative Dusty Johnson’s bill to help assist those affected by the Indian Health Services mismanaged payments has received a positive update.

Johnson’s bill, the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act, if passed would ensure that the IHS, not the citizens would be liable for payments for services that the IHS authorized. The bill would also implement a procedure to allow patients to be reimbursed by the IHS if they paid out of pocket no later than 30 days after a patient submitted proper documentation.

Johnson said his bill being heard by the House is a good sign and is positive the bill will more than likely be passed.

“To actually get a bill hearing generally means that the committee chairmen wants to take up the bill for action. They don’t do that unless they want to send it to the floors. So this is a major accomplishment and it shows we’re getting some momentum behind our bill,” Johnson said.

Johnson said if the bill does pass it will be a big step in making sure the IHS is held accountable for its mistakes and is progressing in doing right by South Dakota’s tribal citizens.

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