The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, on will hear testimony on legislation introduced to benefit tribal health programs.
The bills are:
- S.2098, the Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025. S.2098 transfers land from the Indian Health Service to the Southcentral Foundation to provide health services for the Native community in Anchorage, Alaska. Similar bills have been enacted into law for other tribal health providers in Alaska.
- S.1055, the Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act. The bill extends the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care outside of the IHS system from 72 hours to 15 days.
- S.699, the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025. The bill requires the Indian Health Service (IHS) to reimburse tribal patients for care sought outside of IHS in a timely manner.
Expert witnesses:
- The Honorable Darrell LaRoche [PDF: Testimony]
Deputy Director for Management Operations
Indian Health Service
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C. - The Honorable Dayna Seymour [PDF: Testimony]
Health & Human Services Chair
Colville Business Council
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Nespelem, Washington - Ms. Leanndra Ross [PDF: Testimony]
Vice President of Executive and Tribal Services
Southcentral Foundation
Event Details:
WHAT:
Legislative Hearing — Testimony on Legislation Benefiting Tribal Health Programs
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 628
Washington, D.C.