The healthcare overhaul now being debated in Congress appears poised to bring the most significant improvements to the American Indian health system in decades, the New York Times reports. Provisions under consideration could, over time, direct streams of money to the American Indian healthcare system and give American Indians more treatment options. But some proposals, like exempting Indians from penalties for not obtaining insurance, may meet resistance from lawmakers opposed to expanding benefits for American Indians, many of whom receive free medical care.
