Once I am enrolled in the Indian Health Service (IHS), where can I receive health care?

A member of a federally-recognized tribe may obtain care at any IHS hospital or clinic if the facility has the staff and capability to provide the medical care. A member of a federally-recognized tribe may not be able to receive services at contracted facilities if they do not meet certain residency requirements.

While residing on your home reservation, the IHS provides health care coverage for both (1) direct care services and 2) Purchased/Referred Care services. If you move away from your reservation or contract health service delivery area (“CHSDA”), the Purchased/Referred Care services coverage only extends for 180 days. On the 181st day, the eligibility for IHS direct care services is limited to the health care that continues at any IHS facility that you present yourself. However, PRC coverage continues if you establish residency on another reservation or contract health service delivery area. You can check with your home or local Service Unit about eligibility – they will be the ones making all determinations and paying bills for approved care.^[3406]

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   Indian Health Service, Frequently Asked Questions, https://www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq/#q6. ↑