Federal funding for Indian health increased for fiscal year 2026, including a significant boost for a program supporting diabetes prevention and treatment in Native communities.
Congress provided approximately $5.86 billion for Indian Health Service services and facilities, a 1.3% increase over fiscal year 2025. The total includes approximately $5.05 billion for health services and $809.2 million for facilities.
The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) also received an increase. Congress reauthorized the program at $200 million for fiscal year 2026, $41 million above the previous fiscal year’s funding level. Congress also provided an additional $50 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2027, extending authorization through Dec. 31, 2026.
Created in 1997, SDPI supports diabetes prevention and treatment programs operated by Tribal Nations, Indian Health Service facilities, and Urban Indian organizations.
The increase has direct implications for Minnesota. Current 2026 SDPI recipients include the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Lower Sioux Indian Community, and Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, along with other programs throughout the state.
Implementation of the additional funding is continuing. IHS announced administrative supplements for 310 existing SDPI grant recipients in 2026 using one-time, unobligated SDPI funding. The supplements equal 25% of each recipient’s annual grant award.
IHS has also sought input from Tribal Nations and urban Indian organizations on how to use additional SDPI funding for diabetes prevention and treatment.
The increased investment comes as Native communities continue to experience significant disparities related to diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
For Minnesota’s Tribal and urban Native health providers, the additional resources could strengthen culturally responsive prevention, treatment, and long-term diabetes care as the increased federal funding reaches programs across the country.
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