Bill > HR1418

This bill is designed to improve the Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program within the Indian Health Service (IHS) by addressing patient liability and reimbursement for healthcare services. The bill makes several key changes to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, primarily focusing on protecting patients from being held financially responsible for healthcare costs. Specifically, the bill prevents patients from being liable for payments related to purchased/referred care services, regardless of any previously signed agreements or documents. It establishes a reimbursement process that requires the IHS to reimburse patients within 30 days for out-of-pocket expenses associated with authorized healthcare services, with patients able to submit documentation electronically or in-person at a service facility. The bill also updates terminology throughout existing healthcare legislation, replacing "contract health service" with "purchased/referred care" to standardize language. Additionally, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to update the Indian Health Manual, provider contracts, and other administrative documents within 180 days of enactment to reflect these changes. The provisions apply to purchased/referred care services furnished before, on, or after the date of the Act's enactment, ensuring broad applicability and patient protection.