Glacier County commissioners are planning to suspend ambulance service to Browning, Mont.-based Blackfeet Community Hospital over a payment dispute, according to the Great Falls Tribune.
County Commissioners say the Indian Health Service, a department of HHS that helps fund the hospital, owes the county $1.8 million for ambulance transports.
The commissioners are giving the hospital a two-week notice to prepare for the suspension. Blackfeet Community Hospital is the only medical center on the reservation of the Blackfeet Tribe.
"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."
The Indian Health Service, which disputes the $1.8 million amount, has been negotiating with county officials for months.
"IHS is committed to paying all eligible purchased/referred care claims submitted in accordance with applicable requirements," Indian Health Service said, according to the Tribune. "Despite repeated request for documentation, IHS has not been able to substantiate the amount claimed by Glacier County. At this time, IHS does not believe the $1.8 million amount is accurate."
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