WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 8658 · 119th Congress

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act

Passed HouseNative Americans
IntroducedMay 4, 2026
Passed HouseSep 14, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Sep 15, 2026: Received in the Senate.

What it does

Sourced

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act

This bill extends from 72 hours to not less than 15 days the time period to notify the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program of emergency medical care received from a non-Indian Health Service (IHS) medical provider or at a non-IHS medical facility. This bill does not apply to individuals who are elderly or disabled, who continue to have a 30-day notification requirement for emergency services.

The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. The PRC program pays for medical or dental care that is provided away from an IHS or tribal health care facility. The PRC program must be notified of requests for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider.

Currently in emergency cases, the patient, an individual on behalf of the patient, or the medical care provider must, within 72 hours after the beginning of treatment for the condition or after admission to a health care facility, notify a PRC authorizing official of the need for the emergency medical care. This bill instead allows the patient, other individual, or provider to notify PRC not less than 15 days of the treatment or admission.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, May 4, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 15, 2026Received in the Senate.Senate
  2. Sep 14, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Sep 14, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5576)House floor actions
  4. Sep 14, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5576)Library of Congress
  5. Sep 14, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8658.House floor actions
  6. Sep 14, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5576-5578)House floor actions
  7. Sep 14, 2026Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  8. Aug 27, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 679.House floor actions
  9. Aug 27, 2026Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.House floor actions
  10. Aug 27, 2026Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.Library of Congress
  11. Aug 27, 2026Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-778, Part I.House floor actions
  12. Aug 27, 2026Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-778, Part I.Library of Congress
  13. Jul 15, 2026Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.House committee actions
  14. Jul 15, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
  15. Jul 15, 2026Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs DischargedHouse committee actions
  16. May 21, 2026Subcommittee Hearings HeldHouse committee actions
  17. May 12, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.House committee actions
  18. May 4, 2026Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
  19. May 4, 2026Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
  20. May 4, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  21. May 4, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Hurd R-CO-3