The Kaiser/HCFA State Symposia Series: "Transitioning to Managed Care" Medicaid Managed Care and Native Americans
Established in 1955, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is the U.S. government’s primary vehicle for delivering health care to Native Americans. While infant mortality and maternal death rates of Native Americans have dropped significantly in recent years – gains often attributed by Native Americans to the IHS and its focus on primary and preventive care – the population continues to have serious health needs. Because the IHS is unable to meet the full health care needs of all Native Americans, many of whom qualify for Medicaid and are entitled to receive it, Medicaid has become an important source of funding for IHS and Tribal providers.
While the shift to managed care has the potential to further improve the delivery and effectiveness of health care to Native Americans, it also raises significant concerns.
| 1998.Dec_.kaiser.hcfa_.transitioning.managed.care_.native.americans.pdf | 16.1 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
