WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) reintroduced the Urban Indian Parity Act, reaffirming bipartisan support for health equity in Indian Country. The bill would make permanent key federal benefits to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) helping to close dangerous gaps in care for Native Americans living in cities.
“American Indian and Alaska Native communities deserve more than promises, they deserve action,” said Congressman Ruiz. “While there is broad, bipartisan recognition of the need to improve tribal healthcare – including statements of support from Secretary Kennedy – we have yet to see a detailed, actionable plan to make that a reality. The Urban Indian Parity Act is a practical, bipartisan step they can take right now to close health care gaps, strengthen the Indian Health Service, and protect Native patients – regardless of where they live.”
“I am pleased to join Dr. Ruiz on this bipartisan legislation to ensure Native Americans living in urban areas have access to quality healthcare,” said Congressman Bacon. “Nebraska is home to approximately 16,000 American Indian and Alaska Natives and this legislation will strengthen our healthcare system by providing Urban Indian Organizations with the resources they need to serve their communities effectively.”
“We are grateful that Representatives Ruiz and Bacon are once again championing this bipartisan effort. Fulfilling the federal trust responsibility means ensuring all Native people have access to critical resources,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), CEO, National Council of Urban Indian Health. “With strong support across Indian Country, we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this important legislation and improve health outcomes for Native communities.”
The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes over $1 trillion in healthcare cuts over the next decade – including significant reductions to Medicaid, a program many Native families depend on. It also phases out a CDC initiative aimed at reducing chronic disease in Native communities.
The Urban Indian Parity Act amends federal law to provide 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid services provided at Urban Indian Organizations, which would bring their FMAP in line for what is provided at tribal and Indian Health Service (IHS) providers. This will increase resources and operational support to help health programs keep their doors open and services running. The change is especially critical in urban areas, where 70% of American Indians and Alaska Natives now reside, often far from tribal health facilities.
