American Indians and Alaska Native: Health Coverage and Access to Care

A study of American Indians’ and Alaska Natives’ access to health care, conducted by researchers from the Urban Institue, University of Arizona and the Kaiser Family Foundation, identifies some of the health policy challenges this population faces. The study was originally published in the Janurary issue of the American Journal of Public Health – a link to the abstract is listed below. Two additional documents were created to accompany the study. A fact sheet titled “American Indians and Alaska Natives: Health Coverage and Access to Care” that breaks out the highlights the study’s findings is available, as is an issue brief, “Legal and Historical Roots of Health Care for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S.,” by Brett Lee Shelton, that describes the major historical events and policy choices that led to today’s AI/AN health system. See links below.

American Journal of Public Health article: “Health Service Access, Use, and Insurance Coverage Among American Indians/Alaska Natives and Whites: What Role Does the Indian Health Service Play?”

Fact Sheet: “American Indians and Alaska Natives: Health Coverage and Access to Care”

Issue Brief: “Legal and Historical Roots of Health Care for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States”