An Arizona hospital has been chosen to participate in a pilot program to increase Medicaid and Medicare enrollment of Indian Health Service patients. The project is expected to increase resources available for IHS to spend on patient care.

The program is launching at six health facilities in four states, including Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

The program will target American Indian and Alaska Native IHS patients eligible for Medicaid and Medicare who are not yet enrolled.

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act requires revenues collected from those programs remain at local IHS facilities.

IHS said the money will help supplement hiring more providers, purchasing new equipment and funding additional services.

Enrollment for the program is set to roll out in August or September.

Other participating hospitals are located in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.