The Indian Health Service (IHS) has announced a significant proposal that could expand healthcare access for members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. This notice details a plan to broaden the geographic boundaries of the Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho. This expansion aims to include 22 additional counties in Idaho, allowing more tribal members to benefit from the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program.
Understanding the Purchased/Referred Care Program and PRCDA
The Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program, formerly known as Contract Health Service Delivery Area (CHSDA), is a crucial service provided by the IHS. It ensures that American Indian and Alaska Native people have access to healthcare services that are not directly available at IHS or tribal health facilities. A PRCDA defines the specific geographic area within which these PRC services are accessible to members of a particular Indian community.
Currently, the PRCDA for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes encompasses five counties in Idaho: Bannock, Bingham, Caribou, Lemhi, and Power. Tribal members residing within these counties are eligible for PRC services. However, members living outside this designated area, while eligible for direct care services, are not entitled to PRC benefits.
Proposed Expansion for Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Members
The IHS is proposing to significantly expand the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ PRCDA to include the following Idaho counties: Ada, Bear Lake, Blaine, Bonneville, Butte, Canyon, Cassia, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Madison, Minidoka, Oneida, Payette, Teton, Twin Falls, and Washington.
This proposed expansion is driven by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes themselves, who have requested this change to better serve their members. The Tribes have stated that many of their members residing in these additional counties maintain strong social and economic ties with the Tribe and rely on tribal and federal health programs located on the Fort Hall Reservation for direct care. By expanding the PRCDA, the Tribes aim to ensure these members have access to the comprehensive healthcare services they need, including PRC.
Impact of the PRCDA Expansion
The primary purpose of this expansion is to authorize additional Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members to receive Purchased/Referred Care services. It is estimated that approximately 323 tribal members residing in the newly proposed counties would become eligible for PRC services if the expansion is approved. This change would significantly enhance healthcare access for these individuals, providing them with a broader range of medical services beyond direct care facilities.
The expansion is based on several key factors, including:
- Population: A significant number of Shoshone-Bannock tribal members reside in the proposed expansion counties.
- Tribal Affiliation: The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have confirmed that members in these areas are socially and economically connected to the Tribe.
- Geographic Proximity: The expanded counties are geographically proximate to the existing PRCDA and the Fort Hall Reservation.
- Resource Availability: The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have assured that their PRC program can absorb this expansion without compromising the level of care for current beneficiaries or requiring additional funding.
Public Comment and Next Steps
Before a final decision is made, the Indian Health Service is seeking public comments on this proposed PRCDA expansion. This public comment period allows stakeholders, including tribal members, healthcare providers, and interested parties, to voice their opinions and provide valuable input on the proposal.
The deadline for submitting comments is January 15, 2025.
You can submit comments through the following methods:
- Electronically: Visit https://www.regulations.gov and follow the “Submit a Comment” instructions.
- Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Carl Mitchell, Director, Division of Regulatory and Policy Coordination, Indian Health Service, 5600 Fishers Lane, Mail Stop: 09E70, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
- Express or Overnight Mail: Send written comments to the same Rockville address.
- Hand or Courier Delivery: Deliver written comments to the Rockville address. If delivering in person, please call (301) 443-1116 to schedule an arrival time.
The expansion of the Shoshone-bannock Tribes Purchased Care Program Delivery Area represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access for tribal members residing outside the current PRCDA. By participating in the public comment process, you can contribute to shaping the future of healthcare services for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
