Navajo Nation Decides Not To Take Over Health System from Federal Government

The Navajo Nation's Tribal Council on Jan. 31 voted 43-37 against transferring control of the tribe's $500 million health care system from the federal government to a not-for-profit health organization hired by the tribe, the Arizona Republic reports (Nichols, Arizona Republic, 2/1). Currently, the federal government, through HHS' Indian Health Service, provides and oversees health care for members of federally recognized tribes at facilities on or near reservations. Had the council voted to take control of the system, the Navajo Nation would have had the "flexibility" to change programs and policies itself (Nichols, Arizona Republic, 1/30). In addition, federal funds would have been shifted to the Navajo Health Care System Corp., a not-for-profit organization that would have run health care services for the tribe. Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begaye said his administration pursued the authority transfer because "numerous" tribe members had said they were "unhappy with their health care." Supporters of the proposed takeover said it would reduce bureaucracy and give the tribe the ability to more effectively "meet local health needs." But opponents questioned whether the system would be better run under the tribe, noting that the tribe's past record in managing other programs is "poor" (Nichols, Arizona Republic, 1/31). The tribe's local chapters had voted against the plan, and the tribal council felt obligated to do the same, the Republic reports. Mark Maryboy, a council member who voted in favor of the takeover, said that opponents "were insistent that the government has the legal obligation to take care of Native Americans" (Arizona Republic, 2/1). About 60% of the nation's 558 tribes have taken over management of their own health care facilities or are considering it (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 6/19/01). Had the Navajo Nation voted to take over its system, it would have been the largest such transfer (Arizona Republic, 2/1).