Capitol Hill Updates
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Zika Funding Being Revisited
The Conference Report that authorizes $1.1 billion for Zika virus efforts – but, fails to create a path for Tribal-specific funding – passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 23. The Conference Report then went to the Senate for consideration on Tuesday, June 28 and was voted down. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the Senate will reconsider the measure shortly.
Federally recognized Tribes have largely been left out of conversations on federal funding to prevent and respond to this looming public health crisis. The NIHB, and a coalition of over 60 national partners, is urging the conference committee to reconvene immediately to craft a new bill. Read more to learn how you can help.  |
Employer Mandate Outreach Needed
The NIHB and partners wrote to leadership of the Senate Finance Committee last week to request a hearing and markup on the Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act (S. 1771), introduced last spring. Furthermore, NIHB encouraged the Committee to create bipartisan support in guiding this critical piece of legislation to final House and Senate passage during this Congress.
This legislation would exempt Tribes and Tribal employers from the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – which mandates that Tribes must provide health insurance to employees or face severe tax penalties. This important piece of legislation is critical to Indian Country as it would re-affirm the Tribes sovereignty in decision-making over their own employees andprevent overwhelming fines that Tribal employers would incur.
On June 15, the U.S. House of Representatives House Ways and Means Committee passed the House version (H.R. 3080) and is now moving the bill to the full House for consideration. Contact your representatives today to show your support for a legislative fix to the Employer Mandate on Tribal governments and Tribally owned businesses. You may use these talking points to help tell your story and that of Indian Country.
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Noem Invites Tribal Members to Share IHS Experiences Online
Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) invites Tribal members to share the experiences they’ve had with the Indian Health Service (IHS) on a new online platform:noem.house.gov/IHS.
Rep. Noem stated, “…I’m asking tribal members to help us change the agency together. While I’ve been able to speak with many as I’ve traveled across the state [South Dakota], I want to make it even easier for them to share their experiences as patients, IHS employees, or community members with me online. Together, we can make sure IHS is being held accountable for the service being provided.”
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Native American Health Savings Improvement Act Passes House
Under current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance, an American Indian or Alaska Native who has received medical services at an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility in the past three months is not eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
On Tuesday, June 21, the House passed the Native American Health Savings Improvement Act (H.R. 5452), to amend the IRS code to specify that receiving hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the IHS or a Tribal organization does not disqualify an individual from being eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
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| NIHB Updates |
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Call for Proposals Open for NIHB 2016 National Tribal Health Conference
The National Indian Health Board’s 2016 National Tribal Health Conference (33rd Annual Consumer Conference) will be held from September 19-22, 2016 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tribal health professionals, elected leaders, advocates, researchers, and community-based service providers are invited to submit abstracts in any one of the five conference tracks:
The deadline for proposals is 11:59pm ET on Friday, July 22, 2016. CLICK HERE to begin the proposal process.
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NIHB & Partners Receive Funding to Pursue First Kids 1st Initiative!
On June 14, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a generous grant to the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) to support a nationwide campaign to improve the social, emotional, mental, physical, and economic health of Native children and youth to allow them to achieve their learning and developmental potential. First Kids 1st gives voice and support to Native children and youth and their Tribal communities so they can grow and thrive.
This collaboration began in 2008 with the creation of the original National Children’s Agenda, crafted by these four partner organizations and also funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Agenda was updated in 2015 as the Native Children’s Policy Agenda: Putting First Kids 1st.
The NIHB looks forward to engaging Tribal leaders, Tribal members, and Native youth across Indian Country to realize the vision of First Kids 1st. As NIHB Executive Director, Stacy A. Bohlen, stated, “We know that targeted, sustained, and smart investments can make all the difference in our Tribal communities. This is an exciting time and we are honored to have a role in that investment in Native children and youth.”
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Summit Scheduled to Address Dental Disparities in ND Tribal Communities
Among the health disparities facing American Indians and Alaska Natives, lack of oral health care services continues to create preventable illness and pain. The NIHB and the American Indian Public Health Resource Center at North Dakota State University (NDSU) have joined together to seek solutions for improving access to oral health care in Tribal Nations. On August 1, 2016, they will be co-hosting the North Dakota Tribal Nations Oral Health Summit.
The event will attract Tribal leaders, Tribal health professionals, dental professionals, law makers and policy makers. Participants will identify long-term solutions to dental health disparities in North Dakota’s Tribal communities and identify steps to reduce those disparities. For more information or to RSVP please contact Bonnie Hurner atbonnie.hurner@ndsu.edu. Seating is limited, and there is not a fee to attend.
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Administration and Organizational Updates
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National Tribal IHS Budget Workgroup Testifies Before HHS
On Monday, June 20, the National Tribal Indian Health Service (IHS) Budget Formulation Workgroup presented testimony on the fiscal year 2018 Tribal budget priorities to staff of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, DC. The workgroup makes annual recommendations to the IHS and HHS on Tribal budget priorities for Indian health. Every year, the workgroup diligently works to synthesize the priorities identified by the Tribes in each of the 12 IHS Areas into a cohesive message outlining national Tribal funding priorities.
Tribal Co-chair, Mr. Andrew Joseph of the
To view the National Tribal IHS Budget Workgroup’s recommendations, click here.
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Dear Tribal Leaders Letter on Zika from CDC
On July 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) addressing the serious health implications of the Zika virus in Indian Country. The letter states that the CDC wants to provide American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, organizations, and communities with up-to-date information and include them in surveillance and prevention efforts. Read more…
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NIHB Submits Comment on New Medicare Quality Payment Program
NIHB submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) on the Medicare program proposed rule to implement the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentives under the physician fee schedule (PFS). The NIHB comment can be viewed here.
The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) makes substantial changes to the Medicare Part B incentive-based payment program by sun setting the following current programs that adjust physician payments under the physician fee schedule up or down based on performance:
Eligible clinicians can avoid the MIPS payment adjustments or obtain favorable MIPS scoring by participating in a qualifying Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM). The proposed rule will implement the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), which would impose federal standards to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. However, the reporting requirements of the proposed rule could be problematic for IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health programs to reform health care reporting and technology requirements. NIHB requested CMS to initiate meaningful Tribal consultation as soon as possible to account for the unique needs of the Indian health care system before the final rule is issued.
For more information, please contact NIHB’s Policy Associate, Sarah Freeman atsfreeman@nihb.orgor (202) 507-4077.
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Open Enrollment Tax Season is Over, But AI/ANs Can Still Enroll
Open Enrollment and tax season is now over for millions of Americans, but American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) can still enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace! Members of federally recognized Tribes can enroll at any time throughout the year without penalty. It is important for AI/AN individuals and families to learn about health insurance options and get covered. Not only do individuals benefit from having insurance by increasing his/her access to healthcare services, but Indian Health Service facilities, Tribal 638 and Urban Indian clinics, also benefit from Tribal members having insurance. Through increased third party billing, resources become more available because Purchased/Referred Care dollars are freed up to go back into facilities.
NIHB is now collecting success stories from AI/AN individuals that have enrolled in the Marketplace! The stories will be highlighted on the Tribal Health Reform Resource Center. Please take a few moments to e-mail your own success stories to Win Reilly at wreilly@nihb.org or share stories on our Facebook Page.
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Join the AI/AN Health Research Advisory Council
The American Indian and Alaska Native Health Research Advisory Council (HRAC) addresses health disparities in Indian Country by supporting collaborative research efforts between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Tribal partners. The HHS Office of Minority Health is currently recruiting to fill several vacancies of delegates and alternates on the council including: Albuquerque Area; Billings Area; California Area; Great Plains Area; Navajo Area; Oklahoma City Area; Phoenix Area; Portland Area; Tucson Area; and National At-Large. Delegates and alternates must be elected Tribal representatives or appointed Tribal officials and be nominated by a Tribal leader. Nominations are due by July 15, 2016. Learn more about joining the council, including eligibility, selection process and how to nominate a candidate.
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ACF Seeking Advisors on Trafficking of Children and Youth
The Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces an opportunity to advise the Secretary and the Attorney General on practical and general policies concerning improvements to the Nation’s response to the trafficking of children and youth in the United States. The National Advisory Committee on the Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States (Advisory Committee) is authorized by the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-183).
To be considered for participation in the Advisory Committee, individuals should submit a completed Statement of Interest form by 5:00 PM EDT on July 20, 2016. The Statement of Interest Form, resume, and optional letters can be emailed toEndTrafficking@acf.hhs.gov. Contact for questions: Kate Cooper 202-205-4554.
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USDA Seeks Nominations for Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
On July 6th, 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will post a notice on the Federal Register asking for nominations for their newly re-established Council for Native American Farming and Ranching. The Council will report to the Secretary on all issues, concerns and opportunities related to increasing American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) participation and representation in USDA farm and agriculture programs. The Council will also provide expert recommendations on any new regulatory changes that affect AI/AN agricultural workers or communities. Nominations must be submitted within 45 days of the original posting on the Federal Register website. Members are not provided compensation for their role; however, travel and per diem may be provided for attending Council events. More information can be derived from the Federal Register page located here.
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Upcoming Events, Calls and Webinars
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Tribal Only Call: Community Health Aid Program Expansion
The National Indian Health Board and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) will be hosting a Tribal Only Call on the Creation of a National Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 4:00PM ET to discuss the proposed comments and provide input on the creation of a national Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program (CHAP). Comments on the Creation of a National Indian Health Service CHAP are due to IHS no later thanJuly 29, 2016. NIHB and NPAIHB will work collaboratively to develop a template Tribal comment letter to assist Tribes in making their own comments. NIHB and NPAIHB have created a briefing paper on CHAP for Tribes.
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Zika Funding Being Revisited
The Conference Report that authorizes $1.1 billion for Zika virus efforts – but, fails to create a path for Tribal-specific funding – passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 23. The Conference Report then went to the Senate for consideration on Tuesday, June 28 and was voted down. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the Senate will reconsider the measure shortly.
Federally recognized Tribes have largely been left out of conversations on federal funding to prevent and respond to this looming public health crisis. The NIHB, and a coalition of over 60 national partners, is urging the conference committee to reconvene immediately to craft a new bill. Read more to learn how you can help. |
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Employer Mandate Outreach Needed
The NIHB and partners wrote to leadership of the Senate Finance Committee last week to request a hearing and markup on the Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act (S. 1771), introduced last spring. Furthermore, NIHB encouraged the Committee to create bipartisan support in guiding this critical piece of legislation to final House and Senate passage during this Congress.
This legislation would exempt Tribes and Tribal employers from the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – which mandates that Tribes must provide health insurance to employees or face severe tax penalties. This important piece of legislation is critical to Indian Country as it would re-affirm the Tribes sovereignty in decision-making over their own employees andprevent overwhelming fines that Tribal employers would incur.
On June 15, the U.S. House of Representatives House Ways and Means Committee passed the House version (H.R. 3080) and is now moving the bill to the full House for consideration. Contact your representatives today to show your support for a legislative fix to the Employer Mandate on Tribal governments and Tribally owned businesses. You may use these talking points to help tell your story and that of Indian Country.
|
|
Noem Invites Tribal Members to Share IHS Experiences Online
Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) invites Tribal members to share the experiences they’ve had with the Indian Health Service (IHS) on a new online platform:noem.house.gov/IHS.
Rep. Noem stated, “…I’m asking tribal members to help us change the agency together. While I’ve been able to speak with many as I’ve traveled across the state [South Dakota], I want to make it even easier for them to share their experiences as patients, IHS employees, or community members with me online. Together, we can make sure IHS is being held accountable for the service being provided.”
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|
Native American Health Savings Improvement Act Passes House
Under current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance, an American Indian or Alaska Native who has received medical services at an Indian Health Service (IHS) facility in the past three months is not eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
On Tuesday, June 21, the House passed the Native American Health Savings Improvement Act (H.R. 5452), to amend the IRS code to specify that receiving hospital care or medical services under a medical care program of the IHS or a Tribal organization does not disqualify an individual from being eligible to contribute to a health savings account.
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| NIHB Updates |
|
Call for Proposals Open for NIHB 2016 National Tribal Health Conference
The National Indian Health Board’s 2016 National Tribal Health Conference (33rd Annual Consumer Conference) will be held from September 19-22, 2016 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tribal health professionals, elected leaders, advocates, researchers, and community-based service providers are invited to submit abstracts in any one of the five conference tracks:
The deadline for proposals is 11:59pm ET on Friday, July 22, 2016. CLICK HERE to begin the proposal process.
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NIHB & Partners Receive Funding to Pursue First Kids 1st Initiative!
On June 14, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a generous grant to the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) to support a nationwide campaign to improve the social, emotional, mental, physical, and economic health of Native children and youth to allow them to achieve their learning and developmental potential. First Kids 1st gives voice and support to Native children and youth and their Tribal communities so they can grow and thrive.
This collaboration began in 2008 with the creation of the original National Children’s Agenda, crafted by these four partner organizations and also funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Agenda was updated in 2015 as the Native Children’s Policy Agenda: Putting First Kids 1st.
The NIHB looks forward to engaging Tribal leaders, Tribal members, and Native youth across Indian Country to realize the vision of First Kids 1st. As NIHB Executive Director, Stacy A. Bohlen, stated, “We know that targeted, sustained, and smart investments can make all the difference in our Tribal communities. This is an exciting time and we are honored to have a role in that investment in Native children and youth.”
|
|
Summit Scheduled to Address Dental Disparities in ND Tribal Communities
Among the health disparities facing American Indians and Alaska Natives, lack of oral health care services continues to create preventable illness and pain. The NIHB and the American Indian Public Health Resource Center at North Dakota State University (NDSU) have joined together to seek solutions for improving access to oral health care in Tribal Nations. On August 1, 2016, they will be co-hosting the North Dakota Tribal Nations Oral Health Summit.
The event will attract Tribal leaders, Tribal health professionals, dental professionals, law makers and policy makers. Participants will identify long-term solutions to dental health disparities in North Dakota’s Tribal communities and identify steps to reduce those disparities. For more information or to RSVP please contact Bonnie Hurner atbonnie.hurner@ndsu.edu. Seating is limited, and there is not a fee to attend.
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Administration and Organizational Updates
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National Tribal IHS Budget Workgroup Testifies Before HHS
On Monday, June 20, the National Tribal Indian Health Service (IHS) Budget Formulation Workgroup presented testimony on the fiscal year 2018 Tribal budget priorities to staff of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, DC. The workgroup makes annual recommendations to the IHS and HHS on Tribal budget priorities for Indian health. Every year, the workgroup diligently works to synthesize the priorities identified by the Tribes in each of the 12 IHS Areas into a cohesive message outlining national Tribal funding priorities.
Tribal Co-chair, Mr. Andrew Joseph of the
To view the National Tribal IHS Budget Workgroup’s recommendations, click here.
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Dear Tribal Leaders Letter on Zika from CDC
On July 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) addressing the serious health implications of the Zika virus in Indian Country. The letter states that the CDC wants to provide American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes, organizations, and communities with up-to-date information and include them in surveillance and prevention efforts. Read more…
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NIHB Submits Comment on New Medicare Quality Payment Program
NIHB submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) on the Medicare program proposed rule to implement the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Incentives under the physician fee schedule (PFS). The NIHB comment can be viewed here.
The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) makes substantial changes to the Medicare Part B incentive-based payment program by sun setting the following current programs that adjust physician payments under the physician fee schedule up or down based on performance:
Eligible clinicians can avoid the MIPS payment adjustments or obtain favorable MIPS scoring by participating in a qualifying Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM). The proposed rule will implement the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), which would impose federal standards to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. However, the reporting requirements of the proposed rule could be problematic for IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health programs to reform health care reporting and technology requirements. NIHB requested CMS to initiate meaningful Tribal consultation as soon as possible to account for the unique needs of the Indian health care system before the final rule is issued.
For more information, please contact NIHB’s Policy Associate, Sarah Freeman atsfreeman@nihb.orgor (202) 507-4077.
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Open Enrollment Tax Season is Over, But AI/ANs Can Still Enroll
Open Enrollment and tax season is now over for millions of Americans, but American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) can still enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace! Members of federally recognized Tribes can enroll at any time throughout the year without penalty. It is important for AI/AN individuals and families to learn about health insurance options and get covered. Not only do individuals benefit from having insurance by increasing his/her access to healthcare services, but Indian Health Service facilities, Tribal 638 and Urban Indian clinics, also benefit from Tribal members having insurance. Through increased third party billing, resources become more available because Purchased/Referred Care dollars are freed up to go back into facilities.
NIHB is now collecting success stories from AI/AN individuals that have enrolled in the Marketplace! The stories will be highlighted on the Tribal Health Reform Resource Center. Please take a few moments to e-mail your own success stories to Win Reilly at wreilly@nihb.org or share stories on our Facebook Page.
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|
Join the AI/AN Health Research Advisory Council
The American Indian and Alaska Native Health Research Advisory Council (HRAC) addresses health disparities in Indian Country by supporting collaborative research efforts between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Tribal partners. The HHS Office of Minority Health is currently recruiting to fill several vacancies of delegates and alternates on the council including: Albuquerque Area; Billings Area; California Area; Great Plains Area; Navajo Area; Oklahoma City Area; Phoenix Area; Portland Area; Tucson Area; and National At-Large. Delegates and alternates must be elected Tribal representatives or appointed Tribal officials and be nominated by a Tribal leader. Nominations are due by July 15, 2016. Learn more about joining the council, including eligibility, selection process and how to nominate a candidate.
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ACF Seeking Advisors on Trafficking of Children and Youth
The Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces an opportunity to advise the Secretary and the Attorney General on practical and general policies concerning improvements to the Nation’s response to the trafficking of children and youth in the United States. The National Advisory Committee on the Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States (Advisory Committee) is authorized by the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-183).
To be considered for participation in the Advisory Committee, individuals should submit a completed Statement of Interest form by 5:00 PM EDT on July 20, 2016. The Statement of Interest Form, resume, and optional letters can be emailed toEndTrafficking@acf.hhs.gov. Contact for questions: Kate Cooper 202-205-4554.
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USDA Seeks Nominations for Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
On July 6th, 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will post a notice on the Federal Register asking for nominations for their newly re-established Council for Native American Farming and Ranching. The Council will report to the Secretary on all issues, concerns and opportunities related to increasing American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) participation and representation in USDA farm and agriculture programs. The Council will also provide expert recommendations on any new regulatory changes that affect AI/AN agricultural workers or communities. Nominations must be submitted within 45 days of the original posting on the Federal Register website. Members are not provided compensation for their role; however, travel and per diem may be provided for attending Council events. More information can be derived from the Federal Register page located here.
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Upcoming Events, Calls and Webinars
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|
Tribal Only Call: Community Health Aid Program Expansion
The National Indian Health Board and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) will be hosting a Tribal Only Call on the Creation of a National Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 4:00PM ET to discuss the proposed comments and provide input on the creation of a national Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program (CHAP). Comments on the Creation of a National Indian Health Service CHAP are due to IHS no later thanJuly 29, 2016. NIHB and NPAIHB will work collaboratively to develop a template Tribal comment letter to assist Tribes in making their own comments. NIHB and NPAIHB have created a briefing paper on CHAP for Tribes.
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