Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025

# Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill aims to improve how the federal government manages healthcare services that are purchased or referred to outside providers, particularly for Native Americans served by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The legislation focuses on reducing healthcare costs and improving access to care by streamlining the process for obtaining medical services from non-IHS providers when those services aren't available through the IHS itself. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily impacts Native American populations who rely on IHS for healthcare, as well as the IHS system itself. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill's subjects indicate it addresses healthcare costs, insurance coverage, and access issues.

The focus on "purchased and referred care" suggests the legislation may modify rules around how the IHS contracts with private hospitals and clinics or how it authorizes and pays for outside medical services. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 699) is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota.