Now Federally Recognized, the Lumbee Want Better Healthcare. They May Be on Their Own.

Now federally recognized, the Lumbee want better healthcare. They may be on their own.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina secured federal recognition as a sovereign nation, but getting health care benefits may prove complicated.

The Newest Federally Recognized Tribe Wants Better Healthcare. It May Be On Its Own.

(KFF Health News) – The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina late last year became the 575th tribe to secure federal recognition as a sovereign nation, a milestone that leaders and citizens celebrated in tears. The designation provides federal funding for an array of services, including for healthcare. John Lowery, chairman of the tribe and a state representative, declared that “the biggest benefit” would be access to the Indian Health Service — its c…