Let’s kick things off with the news that inspired today’s episode. According to Native News Online, the House Appropriations Committee has approved $8.41 billion for the Indian Health Service for Fiscal Year 2026, a significant step to support healthcare for 3.6 million Native Americans. This includes $6.05 billion in advance appropriations for 2027, meaning the IHS will have guaranteed funding to plan ahead, even if federal budgets hit snags. This is a big deal because the president’s budget in May didn’t include any advance appropriations, and the new total is $500 million more than the president’s $8.1 billion request. Still, it’s well below the $63 billion that Tribal leaders say is needed to fully fund IHS.
The IHS has long struggled with underfunding, leading to staff shortages and what many Native folks call inadequate care. This funding boost includes $105.99 million for Urban Indian Health—a $15 million increase—since most Native Americans live in urban areas. Other key allocations include $1.05 billion for emergency and specialty care, $287 million for dental health, $286 million for substance abuse treatment, and $188.7 million for healthcare facilities, including staff housing to attract doctors. There’s also support for maternal health, Alzheimer’s care, and a program to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. For older Native adults, this could mean better access to chronic disease care, but challenges remain. Stay tuned as we dive deeper
