Native American patients face debt collection for unpaid medical bills due to federal billing errors

Native American patients are facing debt collection for medical bills that should be covered by the federal government. A new report highlights that billing errors and delays in the Indian Health Service's Purchased/Referred Care program are causing significant financial strain on these patients. The report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reveals that Native Americans are nearly twice as likely to have medical debt in collections compared to the national average. Many patients, like Tescha Hawley, have experienced long-lasting impacts on their credit scores due to wrongful billing. In response, Congress is considering the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act to create a reimbursement process for wrongfully billed patients. Additionally, the Protecting Native Americans’ Credit Act aims to prevent such debts from affecting credit scores. The Indian Health Service is also working to improve its billing processes and reduce staffing shortages.