Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 8658, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act, would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act's rules on emergency contract health services—cases where an Indian patient receives emergency medical care from a non-Indian Health Service provider or facility. Currently, a shorter notification deadline applies for most patients before payment can be made. This bill sets a minimum notification period of at least 15 days for the Indian Health Service to be notified of such emergency treatment or hospital admission, as a condition of payment. A separate, existing notification standard for elderly or disabled Indians under the same section would remain in place.
The bill primarily affects Indian patients who receive emergency care outside Indian Health Service facilities, along with the outside providers and facilities seeking payment, and the Indian Health Service itself, which processes these claims. By extending the minimum notification window, the bill aims to give patients, families, and providers more time to report emergency treatment without losing eligibility for payment.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Kennedy on May 4, 2026, and passed the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026, under a suspension-of-the-rules procedure typically used for noncontroversial measures. It now goes to the Senate for consideration; no further action has yet occurred there.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill passed in the House on September 14, 2026 and goes to the Senate next for consideration.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
15 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8658 do?
- H.R. 8658, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act, would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act's rules on emergency contract health services—cases where an Indian patient receives emergency medical care from a non-Indian Health Service provider or facility. Currently, a shorter notification deadline applies for most patients before payment can be made. This bill sets a minimum notification period of at least 15 days for the Indian Health Service to be notified of such emergency treatment or hospital admission, as a condition of payment. A separate, existing notification standard for elderly or disabled Indians under the same section would remain in place. The bill primarily affects Indian patients who receive emergency care outside Indian Health Service facilities, along with the outside providers and facilities seeking payment, and the Indian Health Service itself, which processes these claims. By extending the minimum notification window, the bill aims to give patients, families, and providers more time to report emergency treatment without losing eligibility for payment. The bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Kennedy on May 4, 2026, and passed the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026, under a suspension-of-the-rules procedure typically used for noncontroversial measures. It now goes to the Senate for consideration; no further action has yet occurred there.
- Has H.R. 8658 become law?
- Not yet. As of 14 Sep 2026, H.R. 8658 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 8658?
- H.R. 8658 was sponsored by Rep. Mike Kennedy [R-UT3] (Republican-UT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8658?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (14 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Native Americans
Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025
Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Clarification Act
Stronger Engagement for Indian Health Needs Act of 2025
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.