More About Rehabs Treatment Centers with ITU Funds
Eligible Native American and Alaska Native patients may be able to use ITU funds to help pay for rehab through Indian Health Service, Tribal, or Urban Indian health programs. Coverage often depends on eligibility, referral or authorization, available funding, and the specific treatment center.
What Are ITU Funds?
The U.S. federal government has a legal “trust responsibility” to provide healthcare for Native American and Alaska Native people. Healthcare funding is distributed through the I/T/U system:
I — Indian Health Service: Federal healthcare facilities operated by the Indian Health Service.
T — Tribal: Health programs operated by federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations.
U — Urban: Nonprofit organizations in urban areas that provide health services to Native people living off-reservation.
How Are ITU Funds Used for Rehab?
If a treatment center accepts ITU funds, eligible Native American and Alaska Native patients may be able to use this funding to help pay for addiction treatment. This can include services such as medical detox, residential inpatient treatment, and outpatient therapy, depending on the patient’s eligibility, the program’s requirements, and available funding.
The admissions team at the treatment center will typically coordinate with the appropriate tribal health program, Indian Health Service office, or Urban Indian health organization to verify coverage and obtain any required authorizations. Patients should also confirm eligibility with their tribal health department or local IHS office, as coverage and approval requirements can vary.