User:Priyavallabh/sandbox

To qualify for health benefits from the IHS, individuals must be of American Indian and/or Alaska Native descent and be a part of an Indian community serviced by IHS. Individuals must be able to provide evidence such as membership in a federally-recognized tribe, residence on tax-exempt land, or active participation in tribal affairs. Federally-recognized tribes are annually defined by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Non-Indians can also receive care if they are the child of an eligible Indian, the spouse (including same-sex spouses) of an eligible Indian, or a non-Indian women pregnant with an eligible Indian’s child. The exact policy can be found in the IHS Indian Health Manual (IHM).

To apply for benefits through the IHS, individuals should go through the patient registration office of their local IHS facility. Individuals should be prepared to show proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe.

The IHS receives funding as allocated by the United States Congress and is not an entitlement program, insurance program, or established benefit program.

Life expectancy for Indians is approximately 4.5 years less than the U.S. General Population (73.7 years versus 78.1 years).