Glacier Country News

Glacier County officials plan to suspend ambulance service to Blackfeet Community Hospital because of a $1.8 million pay dispute with the Indian Health Service.

County commissioners are providing community members with two weeks' notice in order to prepare for the suspension in emergency medical transportation.

The IHS has not paid Glacier County Emergency Services for transports to Blackfeet Community Hospital since 2014, according to the Great Falls Tribune. The IHS is part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Blackfeet Community Hospital is the only hospital on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and also serves residents of surrounding communities.

"This completely avoidable situation caused by Indian Health Service negligence will without question threaten the lives of the Blackfeet living in Glacier County," said Glacier County Commissioner Michael DesRosier. "We are shocked that a federal agency would so blatantly show such disregard for human life."

According to a commissioners’ press release, the IHS disagrees with the county about the amount owed and has been trying to negotiate the matter for nine months.

“IHS is committed to paying all eligible purchased/referred care claims submitted in accordance with applicable requirements,” the agency said. “Despite repeated request for documentation, IHS has not been able to substantiate the amount claimed by Glacier County … IHS has been working closely with the county to identify any outstanding claims that are eligible for payment.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester is watching the situation.

"Ensuring the delivery of quality, timely health care and emergency services to all Montanans is one of Senator Tester’s top priorities," a statement from the senator reads. "He is monitoring this situation carefully, and will continue to foster a dialogue so we can find a resolution that ensures life-saving emergency services will continue on the Blackfeet Reservation.”