ADA calls for increased funding for Indian Health Service

A coalition of health organizations dedicated to improving health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives is urging Congress to support funding for the Indian Health Service in fiscal year 2026. 

The AI/AN Health Partners Coalition, which includes the ADA, sent letters to Senate and House of Representatives appropriators emphasizing that American Indians and Alaska Natives face substantially poorer health outcomes and higher mortality and morbidity rates than the general population. The Indian Health Service is critical to how these populations access health care, the letter notes, and must have sufficient resources to provide them with high-quality services. 

“Over the years, our mutual goals have not deviated. Instead, they have only become more urgent. To provide health care for [American Indians/Alaska Natives] at a level equivalent to the rest of the nation there must be strong support for increasing and maintaining a robust health care system,” the coalition said. 

To do this, the group emphasized the importance of allocating funding toward loan repayment and scholarships, staff quarters, and medical and diagnostic equipment.

Increasing funding for health profession loan repayments and scholarships is essential, the letter said, requesting $18 million to close the Indian Health Service’s 30% health care provider vacancy rate. 

The coalition also called for identifying specific funding to address the need to provide decent staff quarters and existing health care facilities. “Decent and adequate staff quarters, especially in remote areas, is necessary for attracting and keeping health care providers in Indian Country,” the group said. 

They also emphasized that health care professionals need modern equipment to make accurate clinical diagnoses and prescribe effective medical and dental treatments. Many Indian Health Service facilities use outdated equipment like analog mammography machines, the letter notes. It urged that fiscal year 2026 funding for the Indian Health facilities equipment account match the fiscal year 2024 House-approved amount of at least - $42,862,000. 

“Thank you for considering our IHS funding requests for FY 2026. We look forward to working with you to ensure the best possible health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives,” said the coalition, which also included the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Dental Education Association, American Medical Association, American Psychological Association Services, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, and Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS and National Kidney Foundation.