Feds settle underpaid Native health claims

ate’s congressional delegation, the federal government agreed to pay $96 million to the Southcentral Foundation to settle underpaid health claims, according to a Southcentral Foundation press release issued Thursday.

The Southcentral Foundation operates the Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center as part of a network of clinics and medical offices statewide, the most prominent of which is the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, which it shares ownership and operation of with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

According to a foundation press release, on average the federal Indian Health Service has underpaid claims by 10 percent, and they have been underpaid since 1997.

“As a result, tribally authorized entities like SCF are typically compelled to divert financial resources by reducing the services provided or going without essential administrative activities,” a Southcentral Foundation press release states.

Both of Alaska’s senators issued press releases hailing the settlement.

“I am incredibly pleased by this announcement,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski is quoted as saying in her press release. “Tribal self-determination can no longer be short-changed, after a hard fought victory by tribes. Southcentral Foundation will receive the funds owed by the Indian Health Service after years of being shortchanged on vital health costs,.”

Sen. Mark Begich was equally pleased, but said that he’ll continue working on the issue.

“While this is certainly welcome news, I still think this issue needs a permanent, long-term solution. I have fought hard – including pressing the President and his administration to pay the costs in full – for the federal government to hold up its end of the deal and honor these long overdue contracts with tribes. I will continue to fight as this process to achieve a long-term fix unfolds,” Begich said in his press release.

Contact Andrew Wellner at 352-2270 or andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com.