Supreme Court Mandates Federal Reimbursement for Tribal Healthcare Costs

In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that the federal government must cover administrative expenses for tribes managing their own healthcare programs.

The ruling supports the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, promoting tribal sovereignty.
Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justices Gorsuch, Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson, authored the majority opinion.
The decision could result in the federal government paying up to $2 billion annually in overhead costs.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh led the dissent, arguing that funding decisions should be left to Congress.
The case involved the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe, who faced millions in administrative costs.