Healthcare for Native Americans: Challenges and Inequalities

Providing the required standard of healthcare for Native Americans still has a long way to go. While the situation has improved over the last few decades, there is still inadequate attention being paid to the specific health and wellness needs of this section of the population. Many Native Americans have to go to medical facilities that do not understand or appreciate their cultural sensitivities for any treatment they may need. The Indian Health Center in San Jose, CA, stands as an exception, dedicated to providing specialized Native American wellness services.

Eligibility for Healthcare Coverage

Federally recognized Native Americans are eligible for healthcare coverage from the USPHS Indian Health Service (IHS), a unique aspect of American healthcare. They are the ONLY people in America who receive fully covered cradle-to-grave healthcare. This fully covered means medical care, hospitalization, home health nurses, dental care, optical glasses care, free prescription medication, and even transportation to medical care if it is not at their doorstep.

The Management of the Indian Health Service

The USPHS IHS has been under ‘Indian Preference’ management for over half a century. This policy is designed to ensure that if an equally qualified Native American applies for a job and several non-Native Americans have also applied for the same job, the Native American will be given the job. However, this policy has its issues and is often exploited for personal gain.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

The job description for a Civil Service job as the CEO of a USPHS IHS hospital includes impressive job responsibilities. However, one must maintain a valid driver's license as the actual job requirement. This detail is often overlooked, leading to questions about the qualifications of the personnel in key positions.

Impact on Healthcare Quality

Despite the importance of the healthcare provided to Native Americans, the quality of healthcare and management within the USPHS IHS has been criticized. The need for cultural sensitivity and appropriate qualifications for medical professionals is often sidelined, leading to substandard healthcare services. The Department of Health and Human Services seems to benefit from this status quo, as it protects them from political fallout from both the right and left.

Conclusion

Native Americans, just as any other group, should be vigilant about who they support and trust with their healthcare. It is crucial to recognize that not everyone who identifies as Native American will have the best intentions for the community. Education and awareness are key to addressing these issues and improving the overall health and wellness of the Native American population.

Related Keywords

Native American healthcare Indian Health Service cultural sensitivity