The U.S. Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would allow American Indians a better access to health care services.

The bill, named the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, was approved by 83 to 10, and would reauthorize federal programs for health care delivery in American Indian communities for the next 10 year, the Associated Press reported.

“Far too many native children are diagnosed with diabetes, suffer from abuse and neglect, or die prematurely because of accidents of illness that could be prevented or cured,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. was quoted by the AP.

Gov. Bill Richardson welcomed the senate’s actions. “We’ve waited too long for this vital legislation.”

There are about 200,000 American Indians in New Mexico, accounting for 10 percent of the state’s population. On their reservations, they suffer from higher death rates, chronic illnesses, and more. About 28 percent of New Mexico’s American Indians are uninsured.

The $35 billion bill authorizes several demonstration projects around the country, but identifies five priority service units, including the Mescaleros in southern New Mexico. The projects would focus on primary care services, including urgent care and non-emergency services, as well as prevention and screening.

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act was enacted in 1991 and has not been reauthorized since.

The bill will now go to the U.S. House where it is also expected to be approved.