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S. 699119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Feb 4, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
Native American patients referred to outside doctors by IHS cannot be billed personally for that care, even if they signed paperwork saying otherwise.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
This bill protects Native American patients from being billed for outside medical care that the Indian Health Service approved and arranged. The protection applies even if a patient signed forms, and it covers debt collectors, not just the original provider. Patients who already paid out of pocket can request reimbursement from IHS within 30 days of submitting their paperwork.
This bill affects Native American patients who receive care from outside providers referred by the Indian Health Service. It also applies to those outside providers, debt collectors, and the IHS itself.
Without this bill, patients could still receive bills or debt collection notices even though existing law was meant to protect them. The bill also creates clearer timelines and a formal process so patients and providers know what to expect.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.