One possible change to Medicaid being floated in Congress right now includes a $2.3 trillion cut over the next 10 years. Other potential changes include adding certain work requirements and shifting costs and distribution of Medicaid funds to states, which have no trust obligations to tribes. As it is, Medicaid provides direct support to at least one million Native Americans. It’s also one of the secondary sources that help provide health care through the Indian Health Service. Advocates are bracing for changes as they continue to make the case for the program’s life-and-death importance in Indian Country.

GUESTS

Dr. Damian Chase-Begay (Mandan and Arikara), associate research professor of public health at the University of Montana

Kristen Bitsuie (Navajo), tribal health care outreach and education policy manager for the National Indian Health Board

Nanette Star (Choctaw descendant), director of policy and planning at the California Consortium of Urban Indian Health

Winn Davis, congressional relations director at the National Indian Health Board

Break 1 Music: Condemn (song) Mike Bern (artist) Ancestors (album)

Break 2 Music: Heartbroken (song) Janet Panic (artist) A Mighty Rip Through the Page of My Life (album)