Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act

Summary

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act This bill extends from 72 hours to 15 days the time period to notify the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program of emergency medical care received from a non-Indian Health Service (IHS) medical provider or at a non-IHS medical facility. This bill does not apply to individuals who are elderly or disabled, who continue to have a 30-day notification requirement for emergency services. The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. The PRC program pays for medical or dental care that is provided away from an IHS or tribal health care facility. The PRC program must be notified of requests for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider. Currently in emergency cases, the patient, an individual on behalf of the patient, or the medical care provider must, within 72 hours after the beginning of treatment for the condition or after admission to a health care facility, notify a PRC authorizing official of the need for the emergency medical care. This bill instead allows the patient, other individual, or provider to notify PRC within 15 days of the treatment or admission.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs · U.S. Senate

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 8658Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity ActRelated bill

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Oct 5, 2026

   Held at the desk.

2. Oct 5, 2026

   Message on Senate Action Sent to the House.

   Message on Senate action sent to the House.

   U.S. Senate

3. Oct 5, 2026

   Sent to the executive

   Received in the House.

   U.S. House of Representatives

4. Sep 30, 2026

   Passed a chamber

   Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5298; text: CR S5298)

   U.S. Senate

5. Sep 23, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-152.

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.