News Archive

2022

Posted on March 27, 2024

United States Supreme Court Skeptical of Federal Government’s Argument in Contract Support Cost Cases

On March 25, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe and Becerra v. Northern Arapaho Tribe. The two cases were previously consolidated and were heard together at the oral argument (the consolidated case is Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe 23-250). The issue of the case is whether the Indian Health Service (IHS) must pay contract support costs (CSC) not only to support IHS-funded activities but also to support the Tribe’s expenditure of income collected from third parties. Observers of the argument were generally optimistic that the Tribes’ case was well received by the Justices during the argument. The Court is expected to issue its decision in the case by June of this year. Continue below for an analysis of the proceedings.

Posted on March 26, 2024

NIHB Applauds Pope’s Embrace of Indigenous Knowledge in Addressing Climate Change

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) commends Pope Francis for his recent endorsement of incorporating indigenous knowledge in tackling the pressing issue of climate change. In a world increasingly grappling with environmental challenges, the Pope’s acknowledgment of the vital role of indigenous wisdom is a significant step forward.

Posted on March 25, 2024

Department of Veterans Affairs Seeking Comment on Proposed Updates to Departmental Consultation Policy

On January 26, 2024, The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it had updated its Tribal Consultation Policy after a years-long information gathering and revision process. The VA Tribal Consultation Policy, first implemented in 2011, guides the VA’s approach to engaging with Tribes during Tribal consultation. Tribal consultation is a formal, two-way, government-to-government dialogue between official representatives of Tribes and Federal agencies to discuss federal proposals, policies, and programs that have Tribal implications. Consultation allows for the exchange of information, respectful dialogue, consensus building, mutual understanding, and informed policy-making and programmatic development.

Posted on March 25, 2024

Department of Veterans Affairs Releases Revised Draft Reimbursement Agreement

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released a revised draft Reimbursement Agreement between the VA and Tribal Health Programs (THPs) in the lower 48. The Lower 48 Reimbursement Agreement (Agreement) is critical, as it will establish the basic underlying terms for reimbursement from the VA to the THPs for care provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans at Tribally operated facilities. This most recent version reflects the collaborative efforts between the VA, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and Tribes to ensure that the federal government honors its trust responsibility and that all eligible AI/AN veterans receive the care owed and promised to them.

Posted on March 25, 2024

Tribal Leaders Participate in Inaugural Listening Session with Federal Agency

On March 19, 2024, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), introduced itself to Tribal leaders at its first listening session. ARPA-H, an agency within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), was founded in March of 2022 and funds research for health breakthroughs to provide solutions from the molecular to the societal level, according to the Dear Tribal Leader Letter. The listening session was geared toward giving Tribal leaders an overview of the agency’s mission, objectives, and participation opportunities.

Posted on March 20, 2024

NIHB celebrates life of Cathy Abramson, former chairwoman and leader

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is deeply saddened by the passing of our former Board Chair, Cathy Abramson. Her commitment to her Tribe, NIHB, and Indian Country, are not defined by just the years that she served in official positions. She was a lifelong leader and advocate who readily listened and accepted the call to step forward to lead. She was a mentor and supporter of fellow leaders, especially Native women as she experienced and recognized the unique challenges they face.

Posted on March 12, 2024

FDA Releases Alert Concerning Certain Cinnamon Products Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

On March 6, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notable alert regarding specific cinnamon products due to the discovery of heightened levels of lead, a heavy metal known for its toxic properties. The announcement sent ripples through both consumer and regulatory circles, emphasizing the critical importance of monitoring food safety standards.

Posted on March 11, 2024

Congress Passes FY 2024 Spending Bill; IHS Flat Funded, SDPI Increased

Over the weekend, Congress passed a minibus budget package, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (H.R. 4366), for six appropriations bills, including the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget. The IHS FY 2024 budget is essentially flat funded at the FY 2023 funding level which will generally be carried forward to FY 2025 in advance appropriations. The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) received both a short reauthorization to December 31, 2024, and a modest increase to an annualized $160 million level. SDPI had been funded at $150 million per year since FY 2004.

Posted on February 29, 2024

SAMHSA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER

On February 2, 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), adopted a final rule that updates regulations related to Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in OTPs.

Posted on February 29, 2024

New Indian Country Legislation for February 2024

Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, and Tom Cole (R-OK-04), a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024 (HR 7227) to establish a Truth and Healing Commission to investigate, document, and report on the histories of Indian boarding schools, Indian boarding school policies, and long-term impacts on Native Communities.

The proposed legislation would:

Establish a formal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge past injustices of the federal government’s Indian Boarding School Policies.
This includes attempts to terminate Native cultures, religions, and languages; assimilation practices; and human rights violations.
Develop recommendations for federal entities to aid in healing the historical and intergenerational trauma passed down in Native families and communities.
Provide a forum for victims to speak about personal experiences tied to these human rights violations.

Posted on February 28, 2024

NIHB Coordinates Visits on Capitol Hill in Conjunction with National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) held its Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS) in Washington, DC on the week of February 12, 2024. As part of the activities organized for the ECWS, NCAI, NIHB, and other Tribal partners organized hill visits to support Tribal Leaders to meet with Congressional Leaders on issues impacting Indian Country. The NIHB, NCAI, and the National Council on Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) lead two groups of Tribal Leaders to speak on critical health priorities to advance during the remaining 118th Congress.

Posted on February 28, 2024

SCIA Legislative Hearing on February 8, 2024

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) held a legislative hearing on February 8th to receive testimony on various pieces of legislation, including the Indian Health Service (IHS) Workforce Parity Act of 2023 (S. 3022) and the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 (S. 2385). The witnesses before the committee were HHS Assistant Sec. for Legislation Melanie Anne Egorin; DOI Indian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Kathryn Isom-Clause; Chairman Manuel Heart, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Chief Douglas Lankford, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; President Robert Larsen, Lower Sioux Indian Community; Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska; Executive Director Angie Wilson, Reno Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Center.

Posted on February 28, 2024

Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share for Tribal Support Program at the ACF

On February 12, 2024, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) published its final rule that eliminates the non-federal share of program expenditures requirement for Tribal support programs, beginning October 1, 2024. Tribal comments on the requirement have raised concerns over the share’s impact on the ability of Tribal child support programs to grow due to the fiscal decisions it forces upon these programs to choose between committing funds to meeting this requirement or using those funds to serve Tribal families in need of support.

Posted on February 12, 2024

Tribal Leaders Discuss Who Should be Included in the Definition of “Indian Tribe”

Between January 9th and January 18th, the Indian Health Service (IHS) hosted four virtual Tribal consultation sessions to solicit Tribal input on how to define “Indian Tribe” in the updated IHS Consultation Policy (IHS CP) (read the current draft IHS CP here). The Dear Tribal Leader Letter, dated November 27, 2023, posed the following question:

“What definition of Indian Tribe should be included in the updated Consultation Policy: the List Act Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5130); or the ISDEAA Definition (25 U.S.C. § 5304(e))?”

Posted on February 09, 2024

ACL Held a Tribal Consultation on its Draft Tribal Consultation Policy

On January 24, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) held a Tribal Consultation on its Draft Tribal Consultation Policy during its Title VI Cluster Training in Washington, DC.

ACL announced its draft policy and distributed it to Tribes at the November meeting of the HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Council (STAC), then held this consultation in order to receive Tribal leader feedback on (1) processes involving evaluating, noticing, & conducting a Tribal consultation; (2) processes involving Tribal official requests to initiate consultation, consultation records, and training; (3) processes involving listening sessions & Tribal engagement; and (4) preferences on whether ACL should continue to hold consultations virtually to increase tribal access or limit to in-person attendance.

Posted on February 09, 2024

Administration Seeks to Invest $250 Million in Indian Country To Combat the Opioid Crisis, Part of Broader Federal Effort to Address the Crisis

On February 1, 2024, the Indian Health Service (IHS) hosted a virtual consultation to solicit Tribal input on the potential implementation of $250 million included in the Biden Administration’s recent supplemental request. The funds would address fentanyl and opioid abuse, prevention, treatment, recovery services, and harm reduction interventions in Tribal communities, according to the Dear Tribal Leader Letter dated January 12, 2024.

The Opioid Crisis in Indian Country

Representatives from across IHS, including Director Tso, attended the consultation, highlighting the seriousness with which the agency is approaching the crisis. IHS representatives began by framing how harmful the opioid crisis has been in Indian Country, citing that overdose mortality among the AI/AN population increased 33% between 2019 and 2022. This increase in overdose mortality underscores the urgent need for effective and continual intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2022 that AI/ANs had the highest drug overdose death rate in 2020 and 2021, with rates of 42.5 and 56.6 deaths per 1,0000 people, respectively.

Posted on January 29, 2024

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTRE CONSULTATOIN

On December 18, 2023, a Tribal Consultation was held between Tribal leaders and the Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS initiated the consultation to gather input to develop a spend plan for the third year of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Posted on January 26, 2024

OPIOID LEGISLATION PASSES THROUGH SENATE HELP COMMITTEE

On December 12, 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) held a markup on the SUPPORT Act and the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act. The SUPPORT Act reauthorizes numerous laws aimed at implementing programs and services for those struggling with and overcoming substance use, while the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act allows pharmacies to dispense methadone.

Posted on January 26, 2024

Listening Session on National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

On January 4, 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hosted a Listening Session to update Tribal leaders and to receive input on the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP). Specifically, representatives from SAMHSA were interested in gaining insight from Tribes to help identify critical issues related to suicide prevention in Tribal communities. The listening session focused on two questions:

After seeing the new Strategic Directions and Goals of the NSSP, what are some critical issues related to Tribal suicide prevention you would like to see represented or discussed in the strategy?
What are the ways we can engage Tribal communities in the implementation of the strategy in the months and years after the strategy’s release?

Posted on January 19, 2024

NIHB Hosting Townhall Meeting on HHS Tribal Data Access Policy

Join NIHB on Thursday, February 1, from 2:30 – 3:30 PM ET for a virtual Town Hall to analyze the HHS Tribal and Tribal Epidemiology Center Data Access Policy. NIHB is hosting this Town Hall to present a summary of the draft policy and provide a forum for Tribal leaders and technical assistants to discuss priorities and strategies for the upcoming consultation.

The Department of Health and Human (DHHS) Services Office of the Secretary released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter that shares its draft Tribal and Tribal Epidemiology Center Data Access Policy and announces a consultation to receive feedback on the policy. The virtual consultation is scheduled for February 6, 2024, 3:00 – 5:00 PM ET. Comments must be submitted by March 5, 2024.

White House Announces Virtual Engagement on E.O. 14112

What is Happening

The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the White House Domestic Policy Council, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) announced a virtual engagement session with Biden-Harris Administration leadership to discuss Executive Order 14112 on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination. This virtual session is scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024, 3:30pm – 5:00 PM ET.

Per the announcement: The Executive Order (EO) demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s respect for Tribal sovereignty and its commitment to ushering in the next era of Tribal self-determination by directing agencies to reform federal programs for greater autonomy of Tribal Nations over how Tribes can invest federal funding. The EO also directs agencies to make federal funding less burdensome and more accessible for Tribal Nations.

Posted on January 12, 2024

IHS Health Information Technology Summit Addresses Modernization Initiative’s Funding, Staffing, and Rollout

On December 13, 2023, the Indian Health Service (IHS) hosted the Health Information Technology (HIT) Modernization Summit to provide updates and discuss HIT issues with Tribes. The HIT Modernization Summit followed up on the November 8, 2023 IHS press release, which announced the selection of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. to build a new IHS enterprise Electronic Health Record system utilizing Oracle Cerner technology to serve users of the Indian healthcare system. This new EHR will replace the current system known as RPMS, the Resource and Patient Management System.

Posted on January 12, 2024

November STAC Covers Funding Updates and Tribal Community Outreach

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) took place on November 28 and 29, in Washington, DC. Leaders across HHS agencies, including Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Roselyn Tso, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director (CDC) Mandy Cohen, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Monica Bertagnolli, among others, presented updates and engaged in discussion with Tribal leaders on current Tribal health issues and priorities. Among these discussions, IHS unobligated balances, the Presidential supplemental funding request, and outreach efforts in Indian Country emerged as stand-out topics.

Posted on December 08, 2023

White House Holds Tribal Nations Summit: President Biden Issues New Executive Order on Tribal Funding and Revised IHS/VA Reimbursement Agreement

What is Happening:

The 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit (WHTNS) took place this week, December 6 – 7. The Summit is an opportunity for Tribal leaders from all 574 federally recognized Tribes to share their priorities for new policy and for the federal government to share important updates on new actions impacting Tribes.

At the Summit, President Biden signed an Executive Order intended to “usher in the next era of Tribal self-determination.” The Executive Order requires agencies to “better embrace” their trust responsibilities and assess the extent of unmet federal obligations. It addresses Tribal funding needs by directing federal agencies to take action to make federal funding more “accessible, flexible, and equitable.” Additionally, the President announced the launch of Access to Capital Clearinghouse, an online database meant to increase access to and awareness of funding opportunities for Tribes across several federal agencies. Many of the items in this executive order reflect long-standing priorities of Tribal nations, and have been elevated by NIHB. Read the fact sheet on these announcements here.

Posted on November 14, 2023

2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit Announced

The White House announced details on the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit (WHTNS). The Summit is scheduled to take place December 6 — 7, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Registration for the Summit must be completed by Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 PM ET. The link to register can be found here. Only one Tribal leader per Tribe can be accommodated for the Summit, due to capacity. Tribal leaders who cannot attend but would like to designate another governmental representative of the Tribe, may do so by emailing [email protected]

Posted on November 07, 2023

Tell Congress to Support Tribal Sovereignty in Fight Against the Opioid/Fentanyl Crisis

This Wednesday, November 8, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) will hold a hearing on “Fentanyl in Native Communities: Native Perspectives on Addressing the Growing Crisis.”

On October 20, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration sent Congress a list of emergency supplemental spending that includes a request for $250 million to the Indian Health Service to fight the opioid/fentanyl crisis. This investment is proposed as part of a $1.55 billion investment into Opioid Response grants through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Overall, the proposal represents a historic 16 percent set-aside of emergency opioid response funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations.

Posted on October 10, 2023

Tribes now eligible for Opioid Overdose Emergency Medication

As part of a global opioid litigation settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals, Tribes are eligible to receive free boxes of the opioid overdose emergency treatment medication Naloxone each year for 10 years.

Following the “Purdue Allocation” formula, each Tribe is entitled to a specific share of the Naloxone in the form of units. Each allocated unit contains 12 boxes, and each box contains two doses. An Excel spreadsheet detailing each Tribe’s unit allocation can be found here: Teva Tribal Allocation of Naloxone

Posted on September 22, 2023

Native Coalition to Congress: "Native lives are not a political bargaining chip"

WASHINGTON, D.C.— A coalition of national Native organizations, collectively serving the interests of Tribal Nations and their citizens, joined in unison to oppose a federal government shutdown and spending cuts for Tribal programs, and to remind Congress that Native lives are not a political bargaining chip.

“Tribal Nations paid, in full, for the duties owed and enforced by the United States. We paid with our lives, with our lands, with our resources, and with our ways of life. We paid long before political factions sought to divide this nation, and your debt is due. We continue to serve this nation’s military in the highest numbers of any U.S. demographic, and we put program dollars to better use for our people than the United States ever has. Congress must uphold its end of the deal. Native lives are not a political bargaining chip,” said Fawn Sharp, President of the National Congress of American Indians.

Posted on September 08, 2023

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians Expires this Month – Contact Your Member of Congress TODAY!

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is bipartisan, and widely supported in Congress. However, the program has been flat funded at $150 million for 20 years. Counting for inflation alone, the program should receive $246 million. Regardless, unless the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader make reauthorization of SDPI a priority, the program will expire September 30, 2023.

Earlier this summer, legislation was passed out of committee in both the House (H.R. 3561) and Senate (S. 1855) that would reauthorize the SDPI program at $170 million per year for two years. Both pieces of legislation were passed out of Committee in their respective chambers but await consideration by the full House and Senate.

Posted on August 29, 2023

Special News for Indian Country: Tribal Consultation on President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will host a virtual Tribal consultation on the President’s FY 2025 Budget request to Congress on September 27, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM ET. You can register to participate in this consultation session using this link.

Even though the consultation is not for nearly a month, the written comment window is now officially open and closes two days after the consultation session on September 29, 2023. Written comments should be submitted to [email protected].

For the official invitation, click here.

Posted on August 14, 2023

NIHB MMPC Needs Tribal Leaders to Submit Comments on Older Americans Act to Better Serve Elders

The National Indian Health Board's Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Reform Policy Committee (MMPC) has identified issues with the Older Americans Act (OAA) that must be addressed in official comment to the ACL: the funding formula does not work for our Elders.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is soliciting comments on proposed updates to the regulations for most of its OAA programs, which are aimed at improving community social services for aging populations. Although Elders may receive services under other federal programs, the OAA is a major vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to this group and their caregivers.

Posted on August 04, 2023

Reminder: NIHB to Host Tribal Caucus for the Tribal Consultation Session on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy

NIHB will host a Tribal Caucus to help Tribal leaders, delegates, and Technical Advisors prepare for the IHS Tribal Consultation on Consultation Policy. The Caucus will take place on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET. We hope you will join us, and we look forward to providing space for Tribal leaders to prepare for this important Consultation.

You can find the Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on the IHS Website. In addition to the DTLL, IHS released a Redline Version and a Clean Version of the draft policy.

Posted on July 31, 2023

NIHB to Host Tribal Caucus for the Tribal Consultation Session on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy

On July 26, 2023, the Indian Health Service (IHS) published a Dear Tribal Leader Letter providing information on the upcoming Tribal Consultation Session on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. This Tribal Consultation is an opportunity for Tribes to provide input on a newly revised version of the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy (Consultation Policy). NIHB will host a Tribal Caucus to help Tribal leaders, delegates, and Technical Advisors prepare for the IHS Tribal Consultation on Consultation Policy on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM ET.

The Dear Tribal Leader Letter also enclosed a Redlined version of the Consultation Policy that clearly identifies areas of newly proposed and revised text. Further detail on the issues involved in this Consultation are available in the Dear Tribal Leader Letter and its enclosures. More information on how to participate in this Consultation is available below.

Posted on July 28, 2023

Senate Advances NDAA legislation with an Amendment to renew NAHASDA

Last night, the U.S. Senate voted to include an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA). They voted to include NAHASDA by a vote of 89-11.

The amendment would reauthorize NAHASDA for seven years, and would provide greater local control over NAHASDA programs, streamline environmental reviews for tribal housing projects and incentivize private partnerships, among other provisions. NAHASDA’s previous authorization expired 10 years ago, so this passage is a key milestone in getting this important law reauthorized.

Posted on July 21, 2023

IHS Issues Dear Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter on the Syphilis Epidemic Affecting AI/AN Communities

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter to provide an update on how IHS plans to address the current syphilis epidemic affecting American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) communities.

To address the syphilis epidemic, IHS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Loretta Christensen, recommended the following guidelines and resources for all IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian Organizations:

Annual syphilis testing for persons aged 13 to 64 to eliminate syphilis transmission by early case recognition.
Turn on the annual Electronic Health Record reminder at all sites to facilitate testing for two years or until incidence rates decrease locally to baseline.
Three-point syphilis testing for all pregnant people at the first prenatal visit, beginning of the third trimester, and delivery.

Posted on July 20, 2023

National Indian Health Board Holds Second Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held its Second Quarter Board of Directors Meeting in Washington, DC on June 21 and 22, 2023. During this meeting, the Board received updates from NIHB staff on progress in the areas of policy, advocacy, programs and organizational operations. Board Members and NIHB Member Organization staff provided updates from their Areas to highlight priority issues that should be brought to the national level. Since the last Board Meeting, NIHB has moved into its new headquarters office at 50 F Street NW in Washington, DC, advanced the International Indigenous Determinants of Health, and held its largest National Tribal Health Conference to date, amongst other accomplishments.

Posted on July 19, 2023

Special News for Indian Country: NIHB Travels to Geneva to Support Indigenous Health

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND— National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairman William Smith testified July 18 about the importance of culture in healing for Indigenous People at the 16th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“NIHB’s sole commitment and focus is to the health care and public health for all American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples. That includes the work of healing our Peoples and our Nations,” said Smith, a citizen of the EYAK Tribe in the Alaska Village of Valdez. “That work cannot succeed without restoration of language and culture, and healing from colonization. Our very concepts of what it is to be healthy are rooted in our cultures, languages and in in our shared and individual histories. Without standing in the full knowledge and understanding of the impact colonization has defined in all indigenous experience, we will not know health. We will not heal.”

Posted on July 03, 2023

IHS Issues Dear Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter on COVID-19 Supplemental Appropriations

On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter to provide an update on COVID-19 appropriations provided to the agency in FYs 2020 and 2021. During this time period, IHS received over $9 billion in supplemental appropriations.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA), (Public Law 118-5) which was enacted on June 3, 2023, protects funding directly appropriated to the IHS, but rescinds COVID-19 funding transferred to IHS from COVID-19 appropriations. According to the letter, approximately $419 million is impacted by this rescission.

Posted on June 15, 2023

NIH 'All of Us' Research Program Hosting Tribal Engagement Sessions

The All of Us Research Program (run by the National Institutes of Health) aims to accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs to enable an era of precision medicine for all. All of Us is committed to ensuring the program reflects the diversity of the United States. All of Us recognizes that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals are underrepresented in health research and often are not included in sufficient numbers to arrive at scientifically valid conclusions about the population in national research studies.

The program’s Tribal engagement is driven by meaningful discussion and feedback from Indigenous leaders through Tribal consultation and dialogues. The Tribal Engagement team at All of Us will be hosting information sessions for AI/AN Tribal leaders, Indigenous-led organizations, Indigenous researchers, and community members across Tribal land and urban Indigenous communities.

Posted on June 15, 2023

ICWA STANDS!

The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional legality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in today's ruling on Haaland v. Brackeen. This victory comes after Indian Country joined together to support ICWA in a historically strong showing of unity―over 500 Tribal Nations participated in the case, either as parties or as amici, and were joined by dozens of national and regional tribal organizations and Native advocacy groups, including the National Indian Health Board (NIHB).

NIHB will provide more information as more details on the decision are available.

Posted on June 01, 2023

NIHB Advocates Internationally, WHO Adopts Indigenous Peoples Health Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C.— For more than 50 years, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has been working to improve the health of American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Now NIHB is demonstrating its commitment to global indigenous health by working to transform global understanding and efforts regarding the health of Indigenous People.

In April, NIHB addressed the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UN PFII) to support a worldwide adoption of the Indigenous Determinants of Health (IDH). The IDH report was crafted through an international collaboration of indigenous peoples from academia, Tribes and stakeholders, and indigenous serving organizations, including NIHB.

Posted on May 25, 2023

Please Join NIHB for a Tribal Caucus on upcoming Tribal Consultation in advance of OMB Tribal Consultation on Proposed IHS Mandatory Funding

On June 2, 2023, from 2-5pm ET, the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) is holding a Tribal consultation on the to seek Tribal input and recommendations on the FY 2024 President’s Budget proposal to shift funding for the HHS Indian Health Service (IHS) from discretionary to mandatory beginning in FY 2025. Specifically, OMB is asking for input on the following topic areas:

Input on how mandatory funding for IHS should grow in the outyears, including specific feedback on the different components of the proposed mandatory formula.
Specific feedback on the highest priority programs and activities recommended for investment in the FY 2024 budget, including associated funding levels.
Specific suggestions on how the Administration can build support for enactment of this proposal.

HHS Inspector General: Fraud Schemes Targeting Tribal Communities with Behavioral Health Treatment Centers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) is alerting the public about fraudulent activities aimed at members of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in relation to behavioral health outpatient treatment centers (OTCs).

These schemes involve scammers who specifically target vulnerable AI/ANs by establishing phony sober living homes that claim to provide addiction treatment and support. However, these homes are actually fronts for illegal activities, posing a significant risk to individuals seeking help. In addition, Tribal members are falling victim to schemes involving trafficking and healthcare fraud. Perpetrators masquerade as healthcare providers, offering fake medical services or treatments, while simultaneously stealing personal information and medical identities. They then fraudulently bill for services that were never provided.

Posted on May 04, 2023

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the 2023 Heroes in Health

ANCHORAGE, AK - May 4, 2023 - Each year during the National Tribal Health Conference, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosts an evening to honor and recognize outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations from across Indian Country. Their service and selfless work have resulted in major contributions to improving American Indian and Alaska Native health.

The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, Yup’ik, an enrolled Tribal citizen of the Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council in Bethel, and President and CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. NIHB presented the Outstanding Service Awards at the 2023 NIHB Heroes in Health Awards Gala at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. NIHB recognized several individuals from across Indian Country in Area and Regional Impact, National Impact, Youth Leadership, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Jake Whitecrow Award.

Posted on May 02, 2023

Office of Management and Budget Hosting Tribal Consultation on Proposed IHS Mandatory Funding

In coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) is initiating a Tribal Consultation to seek input and recommendations on the FY 2024 President’s Budget proposal to shift funding for the HHS Indian Health Service (IHS) from discretionary to mandatory beginning in FY 2025. In particular, OMB is interested in Tribal views on the proposed mandatory funding formula for IHS. Under the proposed mandatory structure, IHS funding would grow automatically to address inflationary factors, key operational needs, and existing backlogs in both healthcare services and facilities. More information on the proposal can be found in the attachment (Appendix A).

This consultation will be held virtually on June 2, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM ET. Please note that feedback on the FY 2024 Budget proposal will help guide the formulation of the President’s FY 2025 Budget. OMB intends to hold a separate Tribal consultation later this year specifically to inform the FY 2025 Budget formulation process.

Posted on May 02, 2023

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the importance of Culture as a pathway to healing and healthcare at the 40th annual Tribal health conference

ANCHORAGE, AK – MAY 2, 2023 – The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) 40th Annual National Tribal Health Conference - Culture Heals; Culture Knows; Culture Leads kicked off today at the Dena'ina Civic Convention Center to continue developing better and more equitable Tribal solutions to address barriers that prevent access to high-quality care and improved health outcomes.

The National Tribal Health Conference explores health policy, Tribal health equity, and its impact on American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Tribal nations. The annual conference advances Tribal capacity to influence federal law and policies and serves as a forum to discuss Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health, and legislative and policy priorities. “We are so grateful that you are with us for the 2023 NIHB 40th Annual Conference. We look forward to spending this time with you as we examine five key elements; Mind, Body, Spirit, Community, and Advocacy. With 1,400 conference attendees from across Indian County, we are stronger than ever and I am confident that our collective voice will carry throughout the Federal Government, in Congress, and within the Administration.” said William Smith, NIHB Chairman.

Posted on April 28, 2023

House of Representatives Passes the “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” – Includes Potentially Disastrous Reductions for Indian Health

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” (H.R. 2811) which is the House Republicans’ proposal to raise the federal debt ceiling and reduce federal spending. According to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the plan would reduce federal spending by $4.5 trillion over 10 years. The bill is the first offer from House Republicans as they negotiate with the Democratically-controlled Senate and President Biden to raise the debt ceiling, which is expected to be exceeded in the coming months.

According to economists, the House proposal could cause increased borrowing costs for the United States, reduced consumer and business confidence, and decreased economic growth. A default on the United States’ debt obligations could lead to a downgrade in the U.S. credit rating, which would ripple throughout the global financial markets, and harm working Americans’ take home pay and retirement. Compared to a clean debt ceiling scenario, economists predict by the end of 2024 the implications of the bill would reduce economic growth by 0.65% and employment by 780,000 jobs.

Posted on March 31, 2023

National Indian Health Board Holds First Quarter Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Meeting

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held its First Quarter Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on March 7 and 8, 2023. During this meeting, the Board received updates from NIHB staff on 2023 goals in the areas of policy, advocacy, programs and organizational operations. Board Members and NIHB Member Organization staff provided updates from their Areas to highlight priority issues that should be brought to the national level. The Board ratified NIHB’s 2023 Legislative and Policy Agenda. As this was the Annual Meeting for the organization, elections for the Executive Committee were held. Alaska Area Representative William Smith (Valdez Native Tribe) was re-elected Chairperson. Albuquerque Area Representative Jacqueline Platero (To’hajilee Band of Navajos) was elected Secretary. Great Plains Area Representative Janet Alkire (Standing Rock Sioux) was elected Member-At-Large. This will be Ms. Platero and Ms. Alkire’s first term on the Executive Committee. They join Vice Chairperson Nickolaus Lewis (Lummi Nation) and Treasurer Samuel Moose (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), who continue their terms on the Executive Committee.

The Board had the opportunity to meet with Daron Carriero (Chickasaw Nation), Senior Policy Advisor for Native Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council and PaaWee Rivera (Pueblo of Pojoaque), Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, White House. They expressed gratitude to NIHB for its work to secure advanced appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Mr. Carriero and Mr. Rivera also discussed additional policy initiatives, such as mandatory appropriations and securing renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. The Board met with Elizabeth Molle-Carr, (Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa), Tribal Advisor to the Director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Board discussed the upcoming OMB Tribal Consultation on data collection and how that can improve health funding and grants.

Posted on March 31, 2023

Chairwoman Alkire: U.S. not fulfilling its promises on Indian Healthcare

Washington, D.C. - March 31, 2023 - Janet Alkire, Great Plains Area Representative, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and Chairwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, testified before House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, regarding challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare delivery in Tribal communities, March 29, 2023.

Chairwoman Alkire spoke on the need for proper funding for Indian Health Service (IHS), shortages in medical professionals in the Indian healthcare system, and the importance of expanding Tribal self-governance to agencies beyond the IHS within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Chairwoman Alkire also testified on the importance of Congress fulfilling its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations by providing full and mandatory funding for the Indian health system.

Posted on March 20, 2023

NIHB Supports $35 Insulin Cap

WASHINGTON, DC - March 16, 2023 - The National Indian Health Board thanks President Biden and Eli Lilly for their actions to reduce the patient cost of insulin. Biden’s January 2023 initiative to cap insulin costs for Medicare enrollees over 65 will ensure that many American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) on Medicare will have access to life-saving medication. By reducing the personal cost of insulin, we expect to see improved insulin access, better diabetes management, and reduced hospitalizations within our Tribal populations. NIHB also supports the President’s request to Congress to cap insulin costs for all Americans, regardless of insurance provider or insulin manufacturer.

“Thank you, President Biden, for taking much needed action on diabetes medication costs,” said William Smith, Chairman of the National Indian Health Board. “The rising costs of insulin has prevented access to these medications, and this will save American Indian and Alaskan Native lives.”

Posted on March 10, 2023

Chairman Smith Testifies on Appropriately Funding Indian Healthcare

Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2023 - William Smith, Chairman of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, March 9, 2023. Smith highlighted the disparities in life expectancy, diabetes rates, and infant and maternal death rates as a direct result of funding shortfalls for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Smith also testified on the importance of Congress keeping its promises to the Tribes during budget discussions.

“The IHS need-based cost estimate for [FY] 2024 is about $51.4 billion, and the cost estimate for 2025 is about [FY] $53.8 billion,” Smith said.

IHS is currently funded at just under $7 billion. NIHB supports the recommendations of the IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup. Smith's testimony also supported enacting full, mandatory appropriations for IHS, and continuing IHS advance appropriations until mandatory funding is achieved. Smith also said that as Congress considers budget cuts in FY 2024, it must hold IHS harmless to any reductions in funding.

Posted on December 23, 2022

NIHB, NCUIH, and NCAI Celebrate Historic Inclusion of Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service

Washington, DC – Friday, December 23, 2022 – Today, Congress enacted a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 omnibus spending package, including a historic provision providing advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to this change, IHS was the only federal healthcare provider without basic certainty of funding from one year to the next.

The Indian health system serves approximately 2.5 million patients at IHS, Tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations, and was created to meet the U.S. trust responsibility to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of all Native people to the highest standard. Unfortunately, Indian healthcare remains chronically underfunded – a U.S. policy exacerbated by disruptions in the discretionary appropriations process.

Posted on December 19, 2022

National Indian Health Board Holds Fourth Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held its Fourth Quarter Board of Directors Meeting in Washington, DC on November 28 and 29, 2022. During this meeting, the Board received updates from NIHB staff on progress towards 2022 goals in the areas of policy, advocacy, programs and organizational operations. Board Members and NIHB Member Organization staff provided updates from their Areas to highlight priority issues that should be brought to the national level and included in NIHB’s 2023 Legislative and Policy Agenda.

The NIHB Board passed three resolutions during this meeting:

Read the full meeting summary.

Posted on December 19, 2022

National Indian Health Board to host National Tribal Health Conference in Anchorage in May 2023

Greetings Friends of Indian Health,

I am excited to invite you to the National Indian Health Board 2023 National Tribal Health Conference and Public Health Summit in Anchorage, Alaska, May 1-5, 2023. As the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we continue to consider how we can best serve American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health and public health. One way we believe we can better serve Tribal Nations and support limiting travel and time away from home is to consolidate our two national conferences into one week-long event: The NIHB National Tribal Health Conference. This will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and Indian health best practices. We will still offer our great content, educational offerings, and networking.

Posted on December 16, 2022

Call for Native Artists!

The National Indian Health Board is seeking to work with a Native artist local to the Alaska region for our upcoming conference taking place in Anchorage, Alaska, May 2023.

The NIHB National Tribal Health Conference is the premier American Indian and Alaska Native gathering focusing on the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy, and Indian health best practices.

We expect approximately 1,000 Tribal leaders, policy advocates, Tribal public health and behavioral health professionals, and federal partners to attend.

This year’s theme is:

Culture Heals. Culture Knows. Culture Leads.

Selected artwork will be featured throughout our conference books, banners, staging, and digital marketing. The selected artist will receive an honorarium of $500 and a complimentary booth in our exhibit hall.

Please submit hi-resolution images of original artwork of any medium in JPG/PNG/BMP format, artist biography (including Name/Tribal Affiliation), and contact information to [email protected] by January 27, 2023.

Posted on December 14, 2022

NIHB Launches Podcast Series to Increase Healthcare Access in Indian Country

WASHINGTON, DC – December 14, 2022 –This week, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is launching a six-episode podcast series to inform American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal citizens and Tribal leaders on health care options that offer more care and better care to Indian Country.

The Hope + Healing Podcast with the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is a partnership with Indian Country Media and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Levi Rickert, Editor and Publisher of Native News Online, and Kristen Bitsuie, NIHB’s Tribal Health Care Outreach and Education Policy Coordinator, co-host the Hope + Healing Podcast. Together, they will dive deep into topics and interview leaders from Indian Country and experts in Native health.

Posted on November 30, 2022

NIHB and Allies Call on the United States to Enact Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service

WASHINGTON, DC – November 30, 2022 – Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in partnership with 120+ Tribal nations, organizations, and friends of Indian health, sent letters to the President and Congressional leadership requesting that they support and include no less than the House-passed level of $8.121 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS) for FY 2023 and advance appropriations for FY 2024.

“IHS is the only federal healthcare system vulnerable to government shutdowns, and that’s just not right,” remarked Chief William Smith, NIHB Chairman and Alaska Area Representative. “A simple fix is already on the table to give the IHS the same advance budget certainty that Veterans healthcare has benefited from for over ten years. It’s time to stop putting American Indian and Alaska Native lives at stake. It’s time for the President and Members of Congress to step up, do the right thing, and get it done. Native lives can’t wait.”

Posted on November 25, 2022

Agenda Available - Tribal Briefing for White House Tribal Nations Summit

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and National Congress of American Indians will hold a briefing for Tribal Leaders and their technical advisors on Tuesday, November 29, from 1:30 PM – 5 PM at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. The purpose of this briefing is to prepare for the White House Tribal Nations Summit.

President Biden is hosting the White House Tribal Nations Summit (linked) on November 30 - December 1, 2022 at the US Department of the Interior in Washington, DC. The Summit is an opportunity for the President and senior leaders from his Administration to meet with Tribal Leaders and engage in robust and meaningful Nation-to-Nation dialogue on key issues, policy initiatives, and goals for Indian Country. The deadline to register for the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit is Monday, November 14th, 2022. Tribal leaders may register using this link. Due to limited capacity, the White House has stated it can only accommodate one governmental representative per Tribal Nation. Questions for the White House can be directed to: [email protected]. The agenda for the White House Tribal Nations Summit is available here.

The preparatory briefing hosted by the National Indian Health Board and National Congress of American Indians will focus on engagement with federal partners.

Please note this briefing is considered a Tribal caucus and is not open to federal officials or the media. This briefing is only in-person in Washington, DC, no virtual option.

Tribal Briefing Details:

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

1:30 PM - 5 PM

Capital Hilton, Congressional Room

1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Learn More and Register. The agenda for the Tribal Preparatory Briefing is available here.

Posted on November 17, 2022

NIHB Letter of Support to Seat Cherokee Nation Delegate-Designee Kim Teehee

On Thursday November 17, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent a letter of support to the House Speaker Pelosi. Standing with the Cherokee Nation, NIHB supports Designee-Delegate Ms. Kim Teehee to be seated in the House of Representatives during the 117th Congress.

The 1738 Treaty of New Hopewell and the 1835 Treaty of New Echota both guarantee the right for Cherokee Nation to send a Tribal representative to the U.S House of Representatives. The Cherokee Nation exchanged millions of acres of land for the agreements and promises in the treaties delegated between the Cherokee Nation and the United States. It is now time for the United States to honor the trust responsibility and treaty obligations.

The promise remains unfulfilled and remains as binding as it was over 200 years ago.

To view the letter, click here. For more information, visit Cherokee Nation's website here.

Posted on November 17, 2022

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Sign on to Letter Supporting Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations

The National Indian Health Board and a coalition of Tribes, Tribal organizations, and other partners are working with Congress and the Administration to include fiscal year (FY) 2024 advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) in any final agreement on the FY 2023 appropriation bills.

The fix is simple but motivating Congress to act is not. No other issue under consideration in the remainder of the 117th Congress has as much of a direct benefit on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) lives, has as much bipartisan support, and is as close to enactment as advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service.

To succeed, it requires a coordinated effort from Tribes, advocacy organizations, the public, members of Congress, and the White House. Please join NIHB in sending Tribal coalition letters to Congressional Leadership and the White House.

To read the full Washington Report on Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations, visit the Washington Report archive or click here for the whole issue.

Click HERE to sign onto the letters. The new deadline is Tuesday, November 22nd.

For more information on this topic, please visit NIHB’s Advance Appropriations webpage or contact Darren Benjamin, Interim Director of Congressional Relations, at [email protected]

Posted on November 08, 2022

Sign on to Letters Supporting Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations

To read the full Washington Report on Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations, visit the Washington Report archive or click here for the whole issue.

Click HERE to sign onto the letters.

For more information on this topic, please visit NIHB’s Advance Appropriations webpage or contact Darren Benjamin, Interim Director of Congressional Relations, at [email protected]

Posted on November 07, 2022

National Indian Health Board Supports the National Indian Child Welfare Act

President Biden proclaimed November 2022 as National Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) and urged all Americans, as well as their elected representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and to celebrate November 25, 2022, as Native American Heritage Day. Sadly, while these celebrations are taking place, Native communities are facing a severe threat to their rights by opponents who wish to undermine the protections of our children and families.

Join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), hundreds of Tribal citizens, and American Indian and Alaska Native advocates and allies to demonstrate your support for the National Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). On November 9, opponents in Haaland v. Brackeen will argue that those protections be removed. Meet NIHB in front of the Supreme Court and make this NAHM count by helping to prevent the dismantling of ICWA. Protect ICWA is gathering in person to respectfully demonstrate support for the ICWA on this important day.

Posted on October 13, 2022

NIHB Board of Directors Advocate for Advance Appropriations in Congress

Finishing strong on the last day of the National Tribal Health Conference, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) went to Congress advocating for Tribal healthcare funding.

NIHB Chairman Chief William Smith and NIHB Billings Area Representative Timothy Davis met with Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK-At-Large). Chairman Smith and Representative Peltola spent time connecting over Alaska’s isolating factors to Indian Health Service (IHS)facilities. Thereafter, Chairman Smith and Councilman Davis discussed three NIHB legislative priorities concerning advance appropriations in the government funding bill for IHS, reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), and full mandatory funding for IHS.

Click here to view the picture of Chairman Smith, Billings Area Representative Davis meeting with Representative Peltola.

Posted on October 12, 2022

Congress Passes Temporary Government Funding Measure

Congress passed a funding package that was signed into law on Friday, September 30 - one day before the start of federal fiscal year (FY) 2023, averting a government shutdown and keeping the government operating through December 16, 2022. Often referred to as a Continuing Resolution or CR, the measure passed the Senate with a strong bipartisan vote (72-25), while the House vote of 230-201 was mostly along party lines and hinted of funding battles ahead after the midterm elections and in the next Congress.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is level-funded for the duration of the CR, except for an increase provided for costs of staffing and operating facilities that were opened, renovated, or expanded in FY 2022 and 2023. IHS is expected to continue its policy from FY 2020 of providing the full prior-year base Secretarial amount to Tribal health programs with performance periods starting within the CR period. Tribes and Tribal Organizations with ISDEAA agreements should connect with IHS directly on timing and complete any FY 2023 funding agreements so that funds can be made available.

Learn more here.

Posted on October 05, 2022

The call for health equity rang loud on Capitol Hill during the 2022 National Tribal Health Conference

WASHINGTON, DC – October 5, 2022 – The National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) 39th Annual National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) – THE POWER OF IDENTITY: A PATH TO TRIBAL HEALTH EQUITY came to its close last week where the call for health equity rang loud on Capitol Hill. Leadership from NIHB Chairman William Smith and CEO, Stacy A. Bohlen provided for an energized and informative conference.

During the Opening Plenary Session, Jon Blum, Principal Deputy Administrator from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) committed to raising the standard for health care in Indian Country by working to expand coverage, provide resources, increase behavioral health services, and improve maternal health care. He also spoke about the importance of it partnering with Indian Country and other agencies. To do so Blum asked all to:

1. Hold CMS accountable and responsive to build forward engagement.

2. Help CMS define what healthcare equity means by providing feedback and input.

3. Educate and prepare Indian Country for the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and the need to be redetermined for Medicaid/Medicaid expansion eligibility.

Posted on September 28, 2022

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the 2022 Heroes in Health

WASHINGTON, DC - September 28, 2022 - This year, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted the Outstanding Service Awards at the Heroes in Health Awards Gala during its 39th annual National Tribal Health Conference at the National Museum of the American Indian. Annually NIHB honors and recognizes outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations from across Indian Country whose service and selfless work have significantly contributed to improving American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health. NIHB recognized several individuals from across Indian Country in Area and Regional Impact, National Impact, Youth Leadership, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Jake Whitecrow Award.

"Achieving Tribal health equity is only possible due to the diligence of our sisters and brothers we are honoring tonight. They have demonstrated outstanding service in our Tribal communities, helping to improve the health of our people," said NIHB CEO Stacy A Bohlen. "NIHB is pleased to honor good work being done all around Indian Country. Through tireless work, often in the most remote and challenging areas and with limited resources - those who were recognized are among the best of us. Their work protects and improves health and significantly reduces health disparities in Tribal communities. We cannot thank you enough for your work to bring health equity to Tribes."

Posted on September 26, 2022

The National Indian Health Board celebrates 50 years as an organization at the 39th annual Tribal health conference

WASHINGTON, DC – September 26, 2022 – The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) 39th Annual National Tribal Health Conference - THE POWER OF IDENTITY: A PATH TO TRIBAL HEALTH EQUITY kicked off today at the Hyatt Regency - Capitol Hill, to continue developing better and more equitable Tribal solutions to address barriers that prevent access to high-quality care and improved health outcomes.

The National Tribal Health Conference explores health policy, Tribal health equity, and its impact on American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Tribal nations. The annual conference advances Tribal capacity to influence federal law and policies and serves as a forum to discuss Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health, and legislative and policy priorities. “We are pleased to welcome everyone back to an in-person format to celebrate our 50th year as the National Indian Health Board. We encourage everyone to show their Act of Love and stress the importance of all COVID-19 safety measures in place and invite you to choose whether you wear a mask. This year’s conference promises to inform, assist, and move Indian Healthcare equitable into the future,” said William Smith, NIHB Chairman.

Posted on September 23, 2022

Three Native American Women Assume Influential National Positions Within the Administration and Congress

Last week, there was an astounding historical committment to Indian Country as three Native American women assumed influential, national positions. As the first Native American female to be appointed, Chief Lynn Malerba was sworn in as the United States Treasurer. On the same day, the White House announced the inaugural, permanent position appointed Elizabeth Carr to be the Tribal Advisor to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The next day, Representative-elect Mary Peltola was sworn in as the first Alaska Native woman to represent Alaska's sole House congressional seat in a special election.

Posted on September 22, 2022

National Indian Health Board's CEO Stacy Bohlen joins The Atlantic Festival to speak on health equity in Indian Country

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) CEO Stacy A. Bohlen represented the needs of Indian Country on a panel during The Atlantic Festival in Washington, DC. The panel, titled "An Urgent Need: Ensuring Health Equity" focused on the health inequities facing marginalized communities and the potential for sustainable solutions to ensure a more equitable healthcare future for all. As the sole speaker at the festival to focus on the needs of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), Bohlen highlighted the drastic health inequities facing Indian Country and the need for significant policy and systems change to make health equity possible. "We have in American Indian and Alaska Native communities a historical trauma and history with the United States government that has created the perfect storm," said Bohlen, leaving Tribal communities vulnerable to the devastation of COVID-19 and other public health crises.

Bohlen's remarks focused on priorities for advancing health equity in Indian Country. She explained the central importance of the federal trust and treaty responsibility to provide for AI/AN health. Healthcare is a prepaid benefit for AI/ANs, paid for through hundreds of treaties signed with the U.S. government, in exchange for the cessation of Native lands; however, the government has long neglected this legal obligation. Bohlen emphasized the importance of full funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) to uphold the trust responsibility and advance health equity. "Our health system is funding at about 47 percent of need," said Bohlen, pointing out that equity in healthcare will never be possible until Congress appropriates sufficient funding to counteract the long history of chronic underfunding.

Posted on September 22, 2022

Roselyn Tso to Serve as Next Indian Health Service Director

"Certainly, the Indian Health Service as well as [Department of Health and Human Services] has a robust Tribal consultation process that we utilize. However, it is more than that. It's not just meeting and having a conversation with Tribal leaders. It is really understanding the needs of each Tribal community to help them best serve the people in their communities."

Roselyn Tso, Director of the Indian Health Service

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) congratulates Roselyn Tso on becoming the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The Senate voted under Unanimous Consent to confirm Roselyn Tso as the next Director of IHS. As previously reported by NIHB, President Biden nominated Roselyn on March 10, 2022, to serve as IHS Director. Nominee Tso appeared before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) during her successful nomination hearing on May 25.

A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Roselyn Tso has served as a professional staffer with IHS since 1984 and is currently the Director of the Navajo Area of IHS. She held many positions within the Agency during her tenure, including the position of Director of the Office of Direct Services and Contracting Tribes at IHS.

Posted on September 02, 2022

How the Pandemic Shortened Life Expectancy in Indigenous Communities

Carol Schumacher, 56, who was raised in the remote community of Chilchinbeto in the Navajo Nation, has lost 42 family members to Covid-19 over the last two years. The dead included two brothers aged 55 and 54, and cousins as young as 18 and 19.

Ms. Schumacher returned to the Navajo Nation from her home in Wisconsin this summer to grieve with family. She knew what to expect, having grown up on the reservation in Arizona. But what she saw left her reeling.

The nearest hospital was a long drive away on dirt roads, she said, “and there’s no guarantee about the quality of care there even if you make it in time. Some families don’t even have transportation or running water. Imagine dealing with that.”

Continue reading at nytimes.com.

Posted on August 30, 2022

Tribes Share Initial Support: NIHB and NCAI Seek Tribal Testimony on Advance Appropriations

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) are partnering to reach out to Tribes in order to amplify your voice and help save Native lives. We are collecting primary data from Tribes on the impacts of government shutdowns on the delivery of Indian Health Service (IHS) programs.

Endorsing advance appropriations for the IHS, the Biden Administration is aware of the adverse impacts of discretionary funding and has included advance appropriation in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget proposal.

While the House did not include advance appropriations in its spending bill and the Senate did include advance appropriations in its spending bill, the securement for advance appropriations for IHS is not secured yet.

Sharing stories with NIHB and NCAI through the survey, Tribal leaders and Tribal health directors have noted federal governmental shutdowns result in loss of patient contact hours, loss of third-party billing opportunity and revenue, and loss of hours of operations of health services.

"Being critically underfunded affects the services we can provide especially in very remote areas, also not having advanced appropriations makes it hard to plan, and also having to supplement from our third-party funds takes away from the additional services we are able to provide to due people due to no access due because of our location."

Posted on August 15, 2022

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Passes HISTORIC INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022; SEVERAL TARGETED PROVISIONs to BENEFIT TRIBAL NATION

On Friday, August 12, 2022, the United States House of Representative joined the Senate in passing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 making a historic down payment deficit reduction to fight inflation. Next, the Act will go to President Biden for signature marking a major achievement for the Biden-Harris Administration. On Friday, President Biden tweeted that he would sign it into law next week, saying: “Today, the American people won. Special interests lost.”

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides $369 billion to address climate change and domestic energy production in a more sustainable way, sets targets to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, allows for Medicare to negotiate prescription drugs prices on over 100 drugs and provides $64 billion to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidy for three years. American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are eligible to sign up for benefits under the Affordable Care Act on an open enrollment basis.

Posted on August 11, 2022

Critical NIHB/NCAI Survey Regarding Advance Appropriations/Government Shut Downs

Dear Tribal Leader & Tribal Health Leader:

Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Aaron A. Payment (Sault Tribe). You may recall me from my past role as Tribal Chairperson, as a former Elected Officer of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) or as a Member of the US Health and Human Services Secretary Tribal Advisory. I currently work as Government Relations Director of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB). In each of these roles, I have had the privilege of working with great teams of advocates to push for advance appropriations for Indian Health Service (IHS) funding to insulate Tribes from the impacts of Federal Government Shutdowns. We are very close but need your help to get across the finish line.

The Biden-Harris Administration has endorsed Advance Appropriations and included it in his Budget proposal. While the House Appropriations Committee did not initially signal support, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples’ hearing on HR5549 expressed strong, broad bi-partisan support. The same day (7/28) the Senate Chair Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy included advance appropriations for IHS in his Chairman’s appropriations mark. In previous Congressional Sessions, Senator Murkowski has been a co-sponsor singling bi-partisan Senate support.

Posted on August 10, 2022

National Indian Health Board Announces A.C. Locklear as New Federal Relations Director

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to announce the promotion of A.C. Locklear, JD (Lumbee), to the position of Federal Relations Director – an inaugural position within NIHB.

As a key member of the NIHB Government Relations team, Locklear will lead NIHB's federal, budget and regulatory policy priorities, including developing and advancing Tribal health and public health policy priorities to the Administration and the Agencies of the Federal Government, leading budget formation, analysis, and advocacy work and bolstering Tribal leader participation in consultation and Tribal Advisory Committees. In his new role, Locklear also has leadership and oversight over NIHB's regulatory policy analysis and advocacy, particularly in the complex maze of federal Medicare/Medicaid policy. As Federal Relations Director, Locklear will have an increased focus on cultivating partnerships with federal agencies and Tribal partners. As NIHB celebrates its 50th Anniversary, expanding and enhancing Federal Relations will position NIHB to serve Tribal governments and communities better.

Posted on August 08, 2022

SENATE PASSES BILL WITH HISTORIC CLIMATE, ENERGY PROVISIONS FOR NATIVE COMMUNITIES

On Sunday, August 7, 2022, the United States Senate passed the historic Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376) to reduce the deficit and provide inflationary relief to all Americans. The U.S. House of Representatives must enact their version, expected to mirror the Senate bill. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that the house will take up the bill when it returns from recess on Friday, August 12. Then, President Biden is expected to sign the Act into law.

In addition to several key provisions for Tribal Nations, the Inflation Reduction Act will lower prescription drug prices, allow for Medicaid to negotiate cost reductions, cap out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 annually for Elders (Seniors), extend the Affordable Care Act supplemental provisions, and invest in clean energy. A summary of key provisions can be found here.

Posted on July 28, 2022

US Senate Committee on Appropriations Releases FY 2023 Appropriations Bills with Historic Commitment to Advance Appropriations for Indian Health Service

On Thursday, July 28, 2022, the Senate Committee on Appropriations released the Interior and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The appropriations package provides advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service and Indian Health Facilities account. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairman William Smith (Valdez Native Tribe) highlighted “the historic nature of the possibility of enacting advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service to stabilize health care in Indian Country.”

The Interior and Related Agencies bill provides $11.52 billion for Tribal programs. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the bill provides $7.38 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS), an increase of $762 million above the FY 2022 enacted level. This provides $2.7 billion for hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, and health services; $260 million for dental health; and $127 million for mental health programs such as suicide prevention initiatives for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, and tele-behavioral health programs.

Posted on July 28, 2022

NIHB Testifies on the Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act

Today, Jonathan Nez, President of the Navajo Nation and a National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board Member, testified before the United States House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Hearing on the HR 5549 Indian Health Services Advance Appropriations Act, introduced by the late Congressman Don Young (AK).

The HR 5549 Indian Health Services Advance Appropriations Act is a continuation of bipartisan Congressional efforts that increases Tribal and federal government efficiency, reduces federal taxpayer waste, and saves American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) lives by providing stable funding for health care services in Indian Country. NIHB is pleased to see advance appropriations included in President Biden’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 funding request and urges Congress to include advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) in this FY appropriations bill, which sets overall spending limits by agency.

Posted on July 27, 2022

NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen Inducted into WEWIN Warrior Women’s Circle

Women Empowering Women for Indigenous Nations (WEWIN) honored National Indian Health Board (NIHB) CEO Stacy A. Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa) by welcoming her to the Warrior Women’s Circle at the annual Recognition Luncheon at Foxwoods Resort Casino on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation. Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba (Mohegan Tribe), Cheryl Andrews-Maltais (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah), and Tina Marie Osceola (Seminole Tribe of Florida) were also recognized. The Warrior Women’s Circle honors influential Indigenous Women who have impacted Indian Country through their leadership, influencing change, and, increasing awareness for the betterment of the community, nationally, and globally.

NIHB Chairman William Smith (Valdez Native Tribe) congratulated Bohlen, “On behalf of the entire NIHB Board of Directors, this honor is well-deserved and we express our gratitude for Stacy’s tireless dedication to our organization that reaches all of Indian Country to improve the health of Native people. As NIHB celebrates its 50th Anniversary year, we are blessed to have Stacy’s leadership and tenacity. We also want to congratulate the other honorees, all of whom have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with NIHB over their prestigious careers. It is important for us to lift up our women warriors who brought us into this world, raised us, and center us in Native values. We are grateful to WEWIN and thank Co-Presidents Susan Masten (Yurok) and Veronica Homer (Mohave/Shasta) for empowering the current and next generations of female Tribal leaders.”

Posted on July 27, 2022

NIHB Chairman Makes Statement on Pope Francis Visit to the First Nations of Canada

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairman, William Smith (Valdez Native Tribe), released the following statement on the visit of Pope Francis to the First Nations of Canada.

“The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recognizes the important step taken by Pope Francis in issuing a formal apology for the Catholic Church’s role in the implementation of Canada’s Indian residential school system—a system patterned after the Indian mission and boarding schools created by the Indian Boarding School Policy of the United States. As a public health organization, NIHB has stressed the legacy of unresolved historical and intergenerational trauma as foundational to the many health disparities and negative health outcomes experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives today, as evidenced in the 2018 U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Broken Promises Report.

Posted on July 22, 2022

Call for Proposals for the 2022 National Tribal Health Conference

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) invites Tribal leaders, health directors, policy specialists, advocates, and allies to submit presenter abstracts for the 39th Annual National Tribal Health Conference on September 26-28, 2022.

The National Tribal Health Conference explores health policy, Tribal health equity, and its impact on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal nations. The Conference seeks to advance Tribal capacity to influence federal law and policies and serves as a forum to discuss Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health, legislative and policy priorities.

Learn more.

Posted on July 19, 2022

House Appropriations Releases Interior Bill Funding the Indian Health Service

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, the House Appropriation Committee approved the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill.

The FY 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriation bill would fund the Indian Health Service (IHS) at $8.1 billion. This is an increase of $1.5 billion above FY 2022 enacted level which was an underwhelming $6.6 billion and is $1 billion below the President's FY 2023 budget request. The FY 2023 Tribal Request, however, recommends fully funding the Indian Health Service at $49.8 billion according to the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup (TBFWG) recommendations.

Posted on June 30, 2022

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Heard from Tribal Leaders and Experts on Federal Indian Boarding School Policies

Last week, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led by Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI), held a legislative and oversight hearing to hear from the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) leadership, Native leaders, and Native experts on the Interior's first report and S. 2907.

Convening the hearing, Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI) acknowledged federal Indian boarding schools were a "dark period in [the] nation's history" of forced Western assimilation of Native children. Vice-Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) further added in her opening statement that within those schools Native children faced malnutrition, solitary confinement, forced manual labor, untreated diseases, and too many unreported deaths and disappearances.

The National Indian Health Board Congratulates the Appointment of Chief Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba as Treasurer of the United States

Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Indian Tribe, as Treasurer of the United States. Chief Malerba is the first female chief of her Tribal nation and will be the first Native American Treasurer at the Treasury Department. Chief Malerba brings decades of community and economic development experience for Tribal and underserved communities to her new role and previously served as a member for the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. For the first time in history, a Tribal leader and Native woman’s signature will be on our currency. Chief Malerba will also oversee the U.S. Mint, which released the Wilma Mankiller Quarter earlier this month, honoring the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The National Indian Health Board applauds the Administration’s appointment of Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Indian Tribe. “Congratulations to Chief Malerba for her new appointment. For several years, Chief Malerba has supported elevating an understanding of the treaty and trust obligation and building capacity at the highest levels for understanding this permanent commitment, said NIHB Stacy A. Bohlen, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Chief Executive Officer. Tribes have long pushed for full funding and exempting Tribes from government shutdowns and impacts of sequestration. Another priority is formula funding rather than competitive grants to Tribes. The distribution of federal pandemic relief funds has demonstrated that formula funding is possible. NIHB is confident in Chief and Dr. Lynn Malerba to serve in this new capacity as she has the experience and an understanding of treasury-related issues. Her attention to funding as a treaty and trust obligation make her an excellent choice.”

Read more here.

Posted on June 16, 2022

Dr. Aaron Payment Joins the National Indian Health Board as Director of Government Relations

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to announce Dr. Aaron Payment has joined the NIHB leadership team as the Director of Government Relations as of June 14. Dr. Payment served Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, a position he held for more than 14 years and an additional eight years on council. As NIHB reaches its 50th anniversary, expanding government relations will position NIHB to better serve Tribal communities. It will be invaluable to have in-house the skills and perspective of a seasoned Tribal leader who has served in many leadership positions.

While serving as Tribal Chair, Dr. Payment became well known for his eloquent and impactful voice for Tribal sovereignty in all areas of policy and representation. He served on the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee including as Vice Chair. He chaired the National Institutes of Health Tribal Advisory Committee, was Tribal Health Research Advisory Chair, and was on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Tribal Advisory Committee. Dr. Payment also dedicated nearly a decade of service as the National Congress of American Indians Midwest Regional Vice President, including two terms as Recording Secretary, and two terms as first Vice President.

Read more here.

Posted on June 16, 2022

Senators Demand Clarity and Oversight on American Rescue Plan Funds

On Monday, June 6th, fourteen Senators on the Senate Finance Committee signed a letter requesting that the U.S. Government of Accountability (GAO) to evaluate and report on use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA provided $350 billion of COVID-19 relief funding to States, localities, Tribal governments, and territories. The ARPA provided $5,484,000,000 in funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Responsible for oversight of the ARPA funding, the Senate Finance Committee calls for the Department of Treasury - who is responsible for administering the funding - to provide clarity and transparency in the implementation of ARPA funding. The Finance Committee has had several discussions with the Department of Treasury that lead to the conclusion that there is "insufficient" reporting information and details available to the public in which Treasury is taking with "causal indifference".

Learn more and read the letter here.

Posted on June 15, 2022

Contact your Congressional Representative TODAY

The National Indian Health Board and the National Congress of American Indians join forces to elevate Tribal Leader voices to Capitol Hill on securing Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS). This action alert is for the House Appropriations Committee - we ask the committee to support and include IHS advance appropriations in the current appropriations bill. Advance Appropriations would help shield the IHS and Tribal health systems from the harmful impacts of Continuing Resolutions and government shutdowns. Support and passage of Advance Appropriations in the next appropriations cycle would begin the necessary process for establishing budget certainty and help improve the health care delivery system for Tribal nations and their citizens. It is a meaningful step in fulfilling the United States’ trust responsibility and treaty obligations to Tribal nations for Indian health care.

The National Indian Health Board passed Resolution 14-03 to Support Advanced Appropriations for the Indian Health Service and the National Congress of American Indians passed Resolution 19-001 to Support Advance Advanced Appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service.

Read more here.

Posted on June 15, 2022

Registration Is Now Open!

Register now for the The Nation's Premier American Indian and Alaska Native Health Conference - the National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) and 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Join us as we take a look back at the history of NIHB and build our plans for the next 50 years. Together we will explore the topics of health equity, health policy, tribal advances in health, and many more. NTHC serves as a forum to discuss policy and political work in the arenas of Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health. Tribal leaders, Tribal health directors, administrators, policy analysts, advocates and Native youth and early career professionals are invited to join.

The event will be held in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from September 25-29, 2022. Conference events will include Tribal listening and consultation sessions with federal agencies, no-cost institutes, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall and marketplace, fitness activities, and cultural events. Special events will be held for Native youth and early career professionals as well as new Tribal leaders. The Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Learn more and register here.

Posted on June 07, 2022

Fort Defiance To Be Reimbursed for Contract Support Costs After 90 Percent Slash To Funding

On May 26, 2022, the United States District Court of New Mexico ruled in favor of the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board (FDIHB) to be reimbursed for contract support costs (CSC). The Court ordered Indian Health Service (IHS) to reimburse FDIHB $16.6 million in monthly payments for CSC for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. The ruling found that a 90 percent reduction of contract support costs is causing "irreparable injury" to Fort Defiance. Detrimentally harming Fort Defiance's inability to provide essential health services to patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Defiance was forced to reduce the number of contract nurses because the reduction in CSC would have covered the salaries of permanent staff members. Fort Defiance asserted the Agency was "inspired" by the Cook Inlet decision.

Since 2010, the FDIHB has successfully been in three-year contracts with IHS. During contract renewal proposal negotiation that began in August of 2021, FDIHB submitted FY2022 'Annual Funding Agreement' which included a proposal of indirect CSC of $18,405,910. Replying back, IHS then stated the correct indirect CSC rate should be $18,515,007. In December of 2021, IHS replied with a partial declination that denied the full indirect CSC funding and to only fund at $1,887,739 – a 90 percent reduction rate. Pointing to prior years of funding, IHS indicated that earlier indirect CSC had included duplicative funding amounts and FY2022 indirect CSC should therefore be reduced. FDIHB had been proposing CSC using an approved methodology. IHS did not state an issue with the methodology in the first rounds of contract negotiation.

Learn more about the Fort Defiance decision and how NIHB has advocated for restoring contract support costs.

Posted on May 31, 2022

Indian Health Service Director Nominee Appears Before Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Addresses Commitment and Tenure to the Agency

On Wednesday last week, May 25th, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) held a hearing to consider the nomination of Roselyn Tso to serve as the next Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). As previously reported by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), Tso was nominated on March 9, 2022 by President Biden to serve as IHS Director.

A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Roselyn Tso is currently the Director of the Navajo Area of IHS, and previously held the position of Director of the Office of Direct Services and Contracting Tribes at IHS. Tso began working for IHS in 1984, and prior to working with the Navajo Area, she spent years working in the Portland Area, which included roles such as the Portland Area Planning and Statistical Officer, Equal Employment Officer, Special Assistant to the Area Director, and as Director of the Office of Tribal and Service Unit Operations. As Director for Tribal and Service Unit Operations, she was responsible for implementing the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, working directly with Tribes and direct service Tribes.

Posted on May 26, 2022

National Tribal Public Health Summit 2022 Recap

On May 9 – 12, 2022 over 800 Tribal leaders, practitioners, researchers, policy experts, and advocates virtually attended the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) annual National Tribal Public Health Summit (TPHS) 2022. The two free pre-summit days included the Indian Health Service (IHS) Listening Session, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Listening Session, and the National Tribal Behavioral Health Listening Session. Watch the videos here.

In addition to the listening sessions, TPHS 2022 offered several free institutes. Read the Spring 2022 Health Reporter here. In addition to the listening sessions, the National Tribal Public Health Summit 2022 offered several FREE institutes -- Institute Project Firstline (PFL), Institute Strong Systems, Stronger Communities (SSSC), Institute Domestic Violence Program (DVP), Institute Maternal Mortality Review Committee, (MMRC), Institute Dental Health Aid Therapy (DHAT), and Institute Climate Ready Tribe (CRT). Read the Spring 2022 Health Reporter here.

Read more here.

Posted on May 20, 2022

NIHB hosts Inter-Tribal World Café on Health Equity

Last week on May 13, 2022, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted the Inter-Tribal World Café on Health Equity to provide a forum for Tribal leaders and members to come together and discuss what health equity means from a Tribal perspective. As a national leader in advancing health equity for American Indians and Alaska Natives, NIHB held this event to ensure Tribal voices are heard in critical current national conversations on equity. The event was in conjunction with the 2022 National Tribal Public Health Summit.

NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen opened the event with a story of two houses, built at the same time by the same builders with the same design. For the past hundred years, she explained, the first house received optimal annual maintenance, a new roof every 15 years, and modernization as the world has changed. The second house was ignored. "What we're asking is, bring this house that has been neglected for the past hundred years into parity with what exists in the mainstream. Make the kind of investment it will require to bring the Indian house up to the regularly maintained house. Then we can start talking about equality," Ms. Bohlen reflected.

Read more here.

Posted on May 17, 2022

DOI Releases Boarding School Report and House Natural Resources Holds Hearing on Boarding School Bill Within Days of Each Other

Last week on May 11, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland released the first Volume report of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. Secretary Haaland announced the introduction of The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative of June last year.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, the report for the first time acknowledged the federal governments direct involvement of cultural assimilation policies in Indian boarding schools. The report found the federal government, between 1819 and 1969, operated or support 408 boarding schools across 37 states, including 21 in Alaska and 7 in Hawai’i.

The next day, May 12th, House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States held a hearing on H.R 5444 where boarding school survivors and Tribal organizational leaders testified in support of H.R 5444 and shared their personal experiences during forced attendance of boarding schools.

Last year, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), joined the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition in recognizing September 30, 2021 as the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. On the same day, Senator Elizabeth Warren and House Native American Caucus Co-Chairs Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act H.R 5444 / S. 2907.

Posted on May 11, 2022

NIHB Submits Testimony to the US. Department of Health and Human Services on FY 2024 Budget

On May 10, 2022, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted written testimony to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the fiscal year 2024 Annual Tribal Budget Consultation (ATBC). ATBC provides a forum for Tribes to collectively share their views and priorities with HHS leaders on national health and human services funding priorities and make recommendations for the Department’s budget request.

NIHB’s testimony outlined Tribal funding requests for various departments throughout HHS, including the Indian Health Service, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Office of Minority Health, and the Immediate Office of the Secretary.

The testimony also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and wellness of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) by honoring the Federal Trust Responsibility, recognizing health disparities and the impact of COVID-19 in Indian Country, providing funding directly to Tribes, incorporating traditional healing and cultural practices, and focusing on Native health equity.

Read NIHB's full testimony here.

2021

Posted December 23, 2021

Indian Health Care Treaty Obligations Upheld

On Monday, December 20, 2021, the United States determined not to appeal the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Rosebud Sioux Tribe v. U.S. to the U.S. Supreme Court. As a result, the decision will stand as a significant victory for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and other Tribal signatories to the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty and an opportunity for the Biden Administration to substantially improve Indian health care for Indian Country. Issued on August 25, 2021, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty obligated the United States to provide "competent physician-led health care" to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Posted December 22, 2021

NIHB Releases Fall 2021 Health Reporter

The National Indian Health Board is pleased to present a special digital edition of the Health Reporter. The Board of Directors and Staff are continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic while carrying out the mission of the organization - to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for our People.

Read the Fall 2021 Health Reporter

Posted December 22, 2021

Special Message for Indian Country:

Recommendations to Protect Tribal Communities from the New Omicron Variant During the Holidays

Once again we find ourselves confronting another COVID-19 variant and much is still unknown. However, we do know the new Omicron variant has been detected in 45 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, totaling an estimated 2.9 percent of all COVID-19 cases. We must continue to perform Acts of Love to protect our Tribal communities from this new variant. The new Omicron variant has become a variant of concern, as the number of cases continues to increase. Please consider following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recommendations to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. The COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center is a great tool available for Tribes to use in their efforts to stop the spread.

Posted December 17, 2021

NIHB Hosts Historic Tribal Health IT Summit

On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted the National Tribal Health IT Summit to bring together a wide range of subject matter experts and Tribal representatives to engage in critical topics surrounding health information technology (IT) modernization in Indian Country. The event, held virtually, had robust participation, with over 365 attendees from across the country.

The event opened with a welcome and introduction from NIHB Chairman William "Bill" Smith, Chief of the Valdez Native Tribe of Alaska. "We're here today to discuss a path forward for Health IT modernization for Indian Country," said Chief Smith. “We all know the critical importance of ensuring our health facilities have access to modern health IT systems. We also know that acquiring the up-to-date health IT systems we need has been a long and rocky road. This Summit will provide us an opportunity to have a Tribally-led and Tribally-focused forum in which to engage with this important topic and come together to develop a roadmap for moving forward.”

The Summit featured presentations from a variety of perspectives regarding health IT. Presenters included representatives from health IT company and sponsor Leidos, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization, NIHB, and Tribes. Stewart Ferguson, Chief Information Officer for Alaska Native Health Consortium (ANHC), shared their experiences in modernizing health IT. Mr. Ferguson said, "Tribes need a voice in this system if it's going to be successful," when asked what has been learned from that experience as IHS’s health IT modernization project.

Recordings and slides from the event are available HERE.

Posted December 14, 2021

NIHB Releases Video Explainer on the Vaccine Mandate for Staff of Medicare and Medicaid-certified Facilities

On November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a regulation regarding vaccination requirements for staff of Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities. It aims to protect those fighting this virus on the front lines while also assuring individuals and their families that they will be protected when seeking care.

This emergency regulation is effective as of November 5, 2021. It provides guidance on staff vaccination requirements applicable to Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities that are regulated under the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), which includes Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. However, enforcement of this regulation has been halted in response to injunctions issued as a result of the court cases discussed in this video.

Watch the video

Posted December 14, 2021

Marketplace Open Enrollment is Now Open

Starting November 1, individuals can preview 2022 health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period will run from November 1 to January 15, 2022 and is the perfect opportunity for individuals who are looking to change or update their health care coverage or for those who are interested in applying for health care coverage.

These changes may be helpful for American Indian and Alaska Native people who have families of mixed descent and who are interested in changing their health care plan or enrolling in a new plan. For additional assistance, click here or visit your Indian Health Service, Tribal health clinic and Urban Indian facility and see your Tribal enrollment assister to help you through the application process. For an updated fact sheet click here.

Posted December 1, 2021

Do You Have a COVID-19 Vaccine Success Story? NIHB Wants to Hear From You!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is requesting COVID-19 vaccination success stories from Tribes, Tribal members, or Tribal organizations. Did your encouragement help a loved one to go get their COVID-19 vaccine? Did you set up a vaccination clinic in your Tribal community? Do you have a fun story about getting your COVID-19 vaccine? Let us know! You can send us a short (less than 60 second) video or a photo and a short description of your story.

We want to highlight all of the great work being done to vaccinate our Tribal members! NIHB will be sharing your success stories on our social media pages with the goal to inspire those who are unvaccinated to roll up their sleeve and get their COVID-19 vaccines.

To submit your vaccination success story, you can record a short video or send us a photo and a short blurb about your success story, You can upload them to this form or by emailing Darby Galligher at [email protected].

Posted November 22, 2021

IHS to Initiate Tribal Consultation on Distribution of American Rescue Plan Act Funds

On November 22, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter to initiate Tribal consultation regarding the allocation of new funds. These funds include $210 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (2021), $3.5 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), and $2.35 billion currently under consideration by Congress in the Build Back Better Act. These funds will be used to support a variety of needs including public health workforce activities; sanitation facilities construction; health care facilities construction and maintenance; behavioral health; and more. NIHB was actively engaged with Congressional staff during the legislative process and advocated for Indian Country's inclusion in these sources of funding. For more detail on the new funding, click here.

The virtual Tribal consultation will take place on December 14, 2021, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM EST. To join the consultation on December 14, click here. NIHB will provide talking points and support for the consultation. Written comments on the distribution of these funds are due December 23, 2021 and can be emailed to [email protected]

Posted November 19, 2021

Recap of the White House Tribal Nations Summit 2021

This week, the White House hosted the first Summit of Tribal Nations since 2016. Tribal leaders convened virtually with leaders from the Biden-Harris Administration, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Read NIHB's Recap of the Summit

View the Recording of Day 1, 11/15/21

View the Recording of Day 2, 11/16/21

Posted November 11, 2021

RESCHEDULED: National Tribal Health Information Technology (IT) Summit: The Rise of Technology to Revolutionize Indian Country

The National Indian Health Board's National Tribal Health Information Technology (IT) Summit – presented by Leidos—has been rescheduled and will now take place on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 12:00 – 6:00 PM Eastern.

To learn more and to register for the Summit visit bit.ly/NIHBHITSUMMIT. If you have any questions, please contact A.C. Locklear at [email protected].

Posted November 8, 2021

Congress Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Securing $3.5 Billion for Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction

The Chairman of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), Chief William Smith, Vice-President of the Valdez Native Tribe, applauded final passage of the Bi-partisan Infrastructure bill, H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, late Friday night, November 5, 2021. It was passed by Congress by a vote of 228-206. The bill will now head to the President to be signed into law.

This bill is intended to carry out portions of the President's domestic agenda related to infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and broadband. This bill contains $550 million in new spending and additional funding for existing programs. The Indian health care-related provisions include $3.5 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS) sanitation facilities construction program and an additional $2 billion for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program in which telehealth is an allowable use. This sanitation funding should address the known projects of the program.

Posted November 3, 2021

National Indian Health Board Sends Letter to Atlanta Braves and Commissioner of Baseball

Asks for Name Change and Abandonment of Native Imagery

WASHINGTON, DC—November 3, 2021— On the first day of National Native American Heritage Month the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) wrote a letter to the Atlanta Braves over concerns regarding their name and mascot. The letter from NIHB's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stacy A. Bohlen who is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, calls for the Atlanta Braves to acknowledge their role in perpetuating harmful behaviors and attitudes towards American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, change their name, and abandon their usage of Native inspired imagery.

The letter can be viewed here.

Posted November 1, 2021

National Indian Health Board’s Chairman, William “Bill” Smith and Vice Chairman, Nickolaus Lewis Appointed to the Inaugural Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs

WASHINGTON, DC – November 1, 2021 – The National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) Chairman William "Bill" Smith, Chief of the Valdez Native Tribe of Alaska, and NIHB Vice Chairman, Nickolaus Lewis, tribal member of the Lummi Nation in Washington State were appointed to the first-ever Veterans Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs. Chief Bill and Lewis join 13 other appointees that will give guidance to the Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary relating to Tribes and Native American Veterans.

Serving in an advisory capacity, the committee will assist the Department to better provide for Native Veterans relating to programs and services of the Department. This includes identifying the unique and evolving issues of relevance to Tribal communities. By doing so, the committee will propose clarifications, recommendations, and solutions to address the issues in a forum dedicated to discussing proposals for changes to the Departments regulations, policies, and procedures. Having NIHB executive board members Chairman Smith and Vice Chairman Lewis serve on the VA's committee will allow advocacy to the highest level at the VA on priorities and provide advice on appropriate strategies for health care for our Native veterans.

Chairman Bill Smith is a Vietnam Army Veteran and knows firsthand the barriers that exist around VA programs and services. He served multiple tours during his military career, including Vietnam. He retired from the service in August of 1977 and moved home to Alaska and eventually became the Vice President of the Valdez Native Tribe. As a veteran, Chief Bill has expressed his concerns around access to VA benefits, billing, reimbursements, and travel strains. Smith advocates for Indian Health Service (IHS) and the VA to "tear down their walls" and work collaboratively to address the health care needs of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans.

"The formation of the advisory committee is encouraging as a Native veteran who has served this country and relies on IHS and the VA for health care services," said Chairman Smith. “We must hold federal agencies accountable for upholding their responsibilities to AI/AN people. The brave men and women who protected our freedoms deserve the option to receive health care without worrying about the absorbent financial payments. Our Tribal leaders and advocates should be included when the VA makes policy decisions. The VA Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs is one step in ensuring Native veterans are covered, and our care is coordinated.”

Vice Chairman Lewis, a Navy Veteran, said, "Something that was always important as a veteran was knowing the sacrifice that our veterans have made on behalf of all of us in this country. As a veteran, knowing that over the past few years I was able to be part of some amazing work on behalf of our veterans, with work back in Washington, DC with people like Nate Tyler, William Smith, Andy Joseph Jr. (Euuhootkn Scalx), Henry Cagey, Lawrence Solomon, and so many more who have always made the effort to advocate for our brothers and sisters who wore the uniform." When informed of his appointment, Vice Chairman Lewis said, “This was a result of so many peoples work across the country, and it's an honor to receive this from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs today officially, and regardless of what the future holds in the near term, that for the next two years will be able to serve our veterans in this capacity still.”

The VA estimates there are roughly 334,000 AI/AN Veterans, with Native

servicemembers enlisting at higher rates than any other ethnicity nationwide. Veterans are highly respected throughout Indian Country, in recognition of their sacrifices to protect Tribal communities and our homelands. Yet despite the bravery and sacrifice, AI/AN Veterans continue to experience among the worst health outcomes, and among the greatest challenges in receiving quality health services. It is imperative to have representation from NIHB on the advisory committee to ensure Tribal health boards, agencies, organizations, and advocates have a voice in the guidance and recommendations.

NIHB advocated for the passage of the legislation that established this committee and applauds the establishment of this important committee for our Veterans.

Posted October 29, 2021

National Indian Health Board CEO Appointed to America250 Advisory Council on Health & Wellness

WASHINGTON, DC – October 29, 2021 – The National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stacy A. Bohlen was appointed to the Health & Wellness Advisory Council for America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250^th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress. Bohlen joins 12 distinguished council members that will cover topics of physical health, mental health, social well-being, and environmental health.

"I am pleased to join the America250 Foundation's board of directors representing the National Indian Health Board. American Indian and Alaska Native history is American history. The first people of this land and our cultures are integral to the foundation and future of this country and should be recognized and included in the 250-year-celebrations," said NIHB CEO, Stacy A. Bohlen, a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

America250 represents a coalition of international, national, federal, Tribal, state, local, and grassroots partners working to create initiatives and programs that are inclusive and representative of America's 250-year history. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027.

"As a Tribal citizen, I bring the Native perspective to the America250 board of directors. As the CEO of a national Indian organization, I bring the expertise of Tribal health needs and the importance of Tribal sovereignty. As a Native woman, I bring to table the cultural sensitivity and awareness to ensure our American Indian and Alaska Native communities are represented with respect," Bohlen said.

One of America250's partners is the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) provides educators and students with educational materials, virtual student programs and teacher training on Native American history and cultures that includes Native narratives and accurate information to dispel myths and strengthen histories.

Learn more about America250 at www.america250.org/.

Posted October 27, 2021

Urge Your Lawmakers to Support Indian Health in Budget Reconciliation

Congressional leaders and the White House are in the final negotiations on the Budget Reconciliation measure which would implement a portion of the President's domestic agenda. The Senate allocation for various Indian programs was $20.5 Billion. To reach a final deal this week, many programs are being considered for cuts, including Indian health care funding which, according to sources, could be cut by as much as 70%!

Why This Matters: Our People's health care systems and public health infrastructure continue to suffer from gross underfunding. The COVID-19 impacts showed us how devastating the lack of funding has been for American Indians and Alaska Natives. We have an opportunity RIGHT NOW in this Budget Reconciliation to make up some of the underinvestment in our health and public health systems.

We need tribes to reach out to:

1. Majority Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi immediately to oppose cuts to Indian health care funding and preserve the Senate allocation of $20.5 Billion.

2. Your individual Senators, inform them you oppose cuts to Indian health care funding and preserve the Senate allocation of $20.5 Billion AND have your individual Senators contact Senator Schumer to oppose the cuts to Indian health care funding in the Budget Reconciliation.

Leave a message for Majority Leader Schumer at 202-224-6542.

Leave a message for Speaker Pelosi at 202-225-0100.

Find your member of Congress to contact.

Posted October 22, 2021

National Indian Health Board Honors Heroes in Health

In a year packed with change and uncertainty, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was pleased to recognize and honor, in a virtual setting, a group of Tribal health leaders, providers and advocates during its Outstanding Service Awards on October 6 at NIHB's National Tribal Health Conference. NIHB presented 43 awards in the categories of Local Impact, Area/Regional Impact, National Impact, Youth Leadership and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Jake Whitecrow Award.

The Outstanding Service Awards video is available on NIHB's YouTube Channel.

Posted October 8, 2021

NIHB's 38th Annual National Tribal Health Conference Comes to a Close

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) 38th Annual National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC), held virtually, came to its close yesterday, finishing a week of health policy workshops, seminars, and institutes. NTHC attendees learned about the innovative and collaborative health solutions that are driving the growth of Indian health policy. The conference also allowed participants to explore historical and structural issues that are currently impacting Indian health care. Participants heard from speakers who discussed Indian boarding schools, their historical roots, and their continued impacts of American Indian and Alaska Native health. Speakers also explored the importance of third party reimbursors, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, to the financial health of the Indian Health Care system, a condition caused by the chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service. The conference provided an opportunity to examine structural issues while looking at the road ahead.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted October 8, 2021

COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Talks Vision, Recommendations and Trauma with NIHB

National Indian Health Board (NIHB) CEO Stacy A. Bohlen sat down with Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, Chairman of the Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and Victor Joseph (Native Village of Tanana) former Chairman of the Tanana Chiefs and national leader and advocate for AI/AN health, who represents the Tribal voice on the Task Force. COVID-19 hit Indian Country harder than any other group in America and the health inequities that persist in Indian Country were largely to blame. "The work of the Task Force is to provide specific recommendations to the President of the United States for mitigating inequities caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and for preventing such inequities in the future. So, its work is important to Tribal Nations," said William “Bill” Smith, Imeyak Tribal leader and NIHB Chairman.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted October 7, 2021

Dialogue Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Tribal Leaders Leads to Partnerships at NTHC

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Listening Session this morning at the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC), held virtually, provided an opportunity for Tribal leaders to meet with Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon the SAMSHA Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. Tribal leaders discussed mental health and substance abuse service needs in Tribal Nations. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon, began with updates and data that will be included in the upcoming 2020 report. "Our data shows that AI/AN 10% of those 18yo and older have SUD. Alcohol use disorder in the AI/AN population is slightly increased for ages 18-25. Among the AI/AN population aged 12-17, opioid misuse and prescription pain reliever misuse has increased slightly from 2018 but is decreased in all other ages."

Read the Full Press Release

Posted October 6, 2021

Top Messages from Medicaid, Medicare Officials Focus on Telehealth, Expanded Eligibility

Today at the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) the theme was "Fulfilling the Trust Responsibility: A Discussion of the Federal Government's Role as a Funder of Indian Health Care" and topics and speakers came from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), an important agency that administers the Medicaid and Medicare programs in Indian Country. The Indian Health System is chronically underfunded, which enhances the importance of CMS to Indian Country. CMS programs are an integral third-party funder for the Indian health system, helping to fill gaps that would otherwise be filled by the full funding of the Indian Health Service. When Congress passed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in 1976, they recognized their continued underfunding of Indian health care by allowing Indian health providers to bill third party insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted October 5, 2021

Federal Health Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Tribal Sovereignty, Working with Tribes on Access to COVID-19 Care, Funding

During today's opening plenary session of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) annual National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) shared with a virtual audience of nearly 600 conference attendees that each HHS division is dedicated to working with Tribes through meaningful consultation to bring adequate funding, quality healthcare and COVID-19 resources to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted October 4, 2021

Tribal Leaders, Health Advocates Press Federal Agencies on Funding, Program Services in Indian Country

Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted three federal agency Tribal listening sessions during the pre-conference day of its virtual National Tribal Health Conference. NIHB board members, who represent 12 regional areas, led discussions with the Indian Health Service (IHS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to federal listening sessions, Tribal leaders and health advocates gathered to discuss a holistic and quality approach to health equity that meets the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health needs of indigenous people.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted September 30, 2021

NIHB Highlights the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), joins the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition in recognizing September 30, 2021 as the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. Further, today we applaud Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Sharice Davids, and Congressman Tom Cole for introducing the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. This bill would establish a Commission to investigate and document the detrimental Indian boarding school policies and historical trauma resulting from those policies and to make recommendations, among others, for federal resources and assistance to aid in healing from that trauma.

Read the full statement

Posted September 24, 2021

Nation-to-Nation dialogue on the Ongoing COVID -19 response

On September 24, 2021, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) inviting Tribal leaders to participate in a special two-day virtual Nation-to-Nation dialogue on the COVID-19 response in Indian Country. As part of the role within the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other federal departments and agencies of the WHCNAA Health Committee including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Interior (DOI), and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will be in attendance. This conversation will inform the work of the WHCNAA Health Committee to quickly and efficiently develop an interagency plan to improve health systems and infrastructure to better address the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and prepare for future Public Health Emergencies in Indian Country.

The consultation will take place Wednesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 28 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET. Written comments may be submitted through Friday, November 5, 2021.

Read the Dear Tribal Leader Letter for all details

Posted September 22, 2021

NIHB Board Chair Testifies Before House Veterans Affairs Committee

On Wednesday September 22, the House Veterans Affairs Committee hosted a full committee hearing titled, "Veteran Suicide Prevention: Innovative Research and Expanded Public Health Efforts." The National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) Board of Directors Chairman and Alaska Area Representative Chief William Smith testified as a witness before the full committee.

Click here to read NIHB's written testimony of record. Click here to view the livestream recording of the hearing.

Posted September 21, 2021

White House Announces 2021 Tribal Nations Summit

On September 21, 2021, The White House announced that the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit will occur the week of November 8, 2021. Specific dates and times will be shared in a follow-up announcement. This year the Summit will take place virtually. The Summit allows Tribal leaders and officials from the highest levels of the Administration to engage in robust and meaningful dialogue on key issues, policy initiatives, and goals for Indian Country. Additional details about the Summit are forthcoming.

Please be sure to register for the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit by Friday, October 22, 2021.

Posted September 21, 2021

NIHB Request for Proposals for Website Redesign

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is seeking proposals to update and redesign the NIHB website. It houses a wide array of information, and is accessed by different constituents for different purposes. The site's audiences include: elected Tribal officials, Tribal health administrators and practitioners, Tribal public health professionals, legal and policy specialists, governmental agencies, social justice advocates, The site houses information and resources on different advocacy and legislative topics, an organization-produced newsfeed and alerts, knowledge products, social marketing materials, conference materials, and a series of pages for many different public heath topical areas. The deadline for proposals is October 29, 2021.

Read the Request for Proposals

Posted September 15, 2021

NIHB Announces Extension of Early Bird Registration for Upcoming National Tribal Health Conference

It's not too late to register for the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) annual National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) that will take place October 4-8, 2021. The Early Bird rate has been extended through September 21!

Join NIHB for action-packed plenary sessions, informative workshops from experts across Indian Country, and consultation and listening sessions with federal agencies. Make sure to stick around for the last day of the conference for sessions dedicated to technology in American Indian and Alaska Native health systems!

HHS with HRSA released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter on HRSA’s Annual Tribal Consultation

On September 10, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on HRSA’s Annual Tribal Consultation. The consultation will be held virtually during the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) 2021 National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) on October 8, 2021, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM ET. The consultation will highlight Health Center Program’s Uniform Data System and the scoring of Health Professional Shortage Areas.

To register for the consultation, click here and register for the no-cost ticket (those participating in the full conference with a paid registration will also have access to this consultation): Click Here (registration for the consultation session is free)

Posted September 9, 2021

OMB to Hold Tribal Consultation on Mandatory Appropriations

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within the White House, will hold a Tribal consultation to seek input on the development of the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget.

This Tribal consultation on the President's FY 2023 Budget will be held via teleconference on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET. Register for the Webinar

OMB welcomes written comments as well. Please send them to [email protected] by no later than October 4, 2021

Read the Dear Tribal Leader Letter.

Posted September 9, 2021

Joint Letter to HHS on Mandatory Appropriations for IHS

On September 3^rd, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and seven other partner organizations responded to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Dear Tribal Leader Letter on Mandatory Appropriations. In this letter, we ask for a comprehensive, Tribally driven study in order to determine the full need of the Indian health system. NIHB also voices support for making costs associated with Contract Support Costs and Section 105(l) leases mandatory as soon as possible. Securing mandatory appropriations for the Indian Health Service has been a long-standing priority for NIHB and we will continue to work on this issue.

Read the Joint Letter.

Posted August 30, 2021

NIHB Letter to CDC/ATSDR on Tribal Consultation Policy

On August 30, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on the CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation Policy. The letter details the need for CDC/ATSDR to update its consultation policy to include increased accountability, the acknowledgement of honoring the Tribe's right to request consultation at any time, and the establishment of continuous opportunities for meaningful engagement in policies that effect American Indian and Alaska Native people. In the letter, NIHB provided several suggestions to improve the CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation Policy. As CDC/ATSDR reviews the comments on its Tribal Consultation Policy, NIHB will keep Tribes informed regarding the implementation of these and other recommendations brought forth by Tribes and Tribal Organizations.

Posted August 27, 2021

Special Message for Indian Country:

Recommendations for Tribal Communities to Continue to Stay Safe from COVID-19

There has been a flurry of COVID-19 updates in recent weeks, but this one is essential. The highly contagious Delta variant continues to surge, and we must keep the Nation's Tribes and communities safe, healthy, and protected. Please consider the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recommendations and resources to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

The Delta variant's impact continues to unfold, and with it, Tribal policies change, and mandatory mask-mandates are re-emerging, NIHB's Act of Love vaccination and safe practices campaign can help. According to the CDC, a layered approach is the best way to reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.

Posted August 27, 2021

NIHB Tribal Town Hall leads surge on Capitol Hill

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held a Tribal Town Hall on Thursday, August 26, 2021 to call Tribes to action in seeking funding in the Budget Reconciliation for Indian health programs.

Chief William Smith, Chairman of the National Indian Health Board, urged Tribal nations to be "diligent and relentless." "It will be a fight and hard work ahead of us, but our people deserve nothing less."

He was joined by Lummi Nation Councilmember, Nickolaus Lewis, Vice Chairperson of the National Indian Health Board, who echoed these words when he stated "[t]his fight for Indian health care is critical. We must get the attention of Congress and the White House to protect our health care and make a difference for our people."

Staff presentations showed the disparity in Indian health care facility funding. The presentations also demonstrated that if health care facilities (and related expenses such as equipment, Electronic Health Records (EHR), and health IT) are not fully funded in this Budget Reconciliation, then Tribal nations must rely on current appropriations.

According to the Indian Health Service, at the existing replacement rate, a new facility on the IHS facility priority list would not be replaced for 400 years. Tribes must reach out to their Congressional Members immediately to seek more funding for Indian health care, particularly facilities and related expenses.

Tribes need to act now to ensure Indian health funding is secured. Encourage your Congressional delegation to consider priorities for Indian Country, by contacting them by phone or email.

Posted August 23, 2021

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Fully Approved by FDA for Ages 16 and Older

On Monday, August 23, 2021, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, now known as Comirnaty, is the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), replacing its emergency use authorization (EUA) for all Americans over the age of 16 years including American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine continues to be available under EUA for Native youth ages 12-15 years and certain immunocompromised persons who are receiving a third dose.

Read NIHB's Special News alert to learn more.

Posted August 20, 2021

HHS Announces COVID-19 Booster Shots for the American People

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint statement from public health and medical experts on the Biden Administration's plan for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people. Pending the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, the Biden Administration announced that the third vaccine shot will be available as early as September 20. On August 12, 2021 the FDA announced that a third vaccine dose is recommended for immunocompromised individuals effective immediately. Many Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities are presently updating or creating internal policies to administer the shot and contact their immunocompromised patients. Community Health Representatives and public health nurses will work to provide shots to patients who are homebound, disabled, or lack transportation. Tribal health systems are also reaching out to immunocompromised patients and planning vaccination events for boosters.

Posted August 19, 2021

NIHB and Indian Country United in Seeking Funding in the Budget Reconciliation

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) led Indian health care efforts in the Intertribal Organization letter dated August 19, 2021 to Congressional leaders seeking funding for Indian programs in the Budget Reconciliation currently underway in Congress. At stake is $3.5 Trillion for implementing portions of the President's domestic agenda as set forth in the Budget Resolutions passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Of that $3.5 Trillion, $20.5 Billion has been recommended in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for "Native" programs (which could include both Indian and Native Hawaiian programs) and potentially $25.6 Billion in the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, to be divided up among 8 subcommittees and programs.

Tribes need to act now to ensure Indian health funding is secured. Encourage your Congressional delegation to consider priorities for Indian Country, by contacting them by phone or email.

Posted August 18, 2021

Webinar Recording: Response to the Delta Variant in Tribal Communities

On August 16, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), hosted its first webinar in the #ACTOFLOVE COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) on the Delta variant which is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 circulating in Tribal communities. The new surge in cases is prompting Tribes to re-evaluate current public health measures like mask mandates and vaccine requirements. This webinar focused on knowledge sharing and helping Tribal communities plan and prepare for the increase in cases attributed to the Delta variant.

Watch the recording

Posted August 18, 2021

NIHB to Hold Tribal Caucus to prepare for HHS Tribal Consultation on Mandatory Funding Approaches for the Indian Health Service

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is hosting a Tribal Caucus to discuss Mandatory Appropriations for Indian Health Service (IHS) on Monday, August 23, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET. This caucus will discuss the Dear Tribal Leader Letter sent out by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra on Mandatory Appropriations for the IHS. NIHB is interested in receiving feedback from Tribal leaders, Tribal members, and Tribal communities on how to address the three questions in the letter as well as other questions and concerns from the Department.

The agency will hold Tribal Consultation sessions on Wednesday, August 25 from 1:00pm-4:00 Eastern Time and Wednesday, September 1 from 2:00pm-5:00pm Eastern Time. Comments are accepted by email at [email protected] until September 3, 2021.

Posted July 28, 2021

CDC Releases Updated Guidance on COVID-19 and Delta Variant

On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance around masking and the COVID-19 Delta variant.

This new guidance, which is based on the most up-to-date science, includes recommendations around masking for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated American Indian and Alaska Natives. The CDC now recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant, in areas with substantial and high transmission. This variant is much more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and we must do everything we can to protect our Native elders, children, and communities.

Posted July 20, 2021

NIHB Attends Mississippi Choctaw Indian Fair to Promote Act of Love Campaign

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was honored to be guests at the Mississippi Band of Choctaw (MBCI) Indian Fair July 16-17. The Choctaw Health Center hosted a "Health Plex" that included a vaccine drive, behavioral health services, mental wellness, grief counseling, healing education and practices, and diabetes prevention. Choctaw Health also partnered with the Mississippi Department of Health and the state Veterans Affairs hospital to provide more vaccines to more people.

At the Health Plex, NIHB Public Health Policy and Programs Associate Chyna Locklear and Communications Consultant April Hale shared information about the organization and the Act of Love campaign - that focuses on wearing a mask and getting vaccinated - with specific messages to Native youth and young people. Over two days, NIHB gave out nearly 400 Act of Love post vaccination kits to Tribal members and Native youth who were recently vaccinated. NIHB saw many youth, supported by their parents and relatives, get the Covid vaccine. Getting the vaccine is part of NIHB Act of Love campaign. See NIHB's Facebook page for posts from the event.

MCBI Chief Cyrus Ben shared with NIHB some words of praise and encouragement. With over 4,000 people vaccinated, MCBI has been actively hosted vaccine drives to vaccine more Tribal members and youth as well as non-Native community members. See Chief Ben's video message here. For more information about the Act of Love campaign, please contact Tyler Dougherty at [email protected].

Posted July 19, 2021

US House Appropriations Include Centers for Disease Prevention Increases for Indian Country Programs for FY 2022

On July 15, 2021, the House Appropriations Committee advanced their Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health, Human Services, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill by a vote of 33-25. Overall, the Labor-HHS bill seeks to approve a 39% increase in its 2022 funding over FY 2021.

The Labor-HHS appropriations legislation contains funding for all other health services and public health programs that are outside of the Indian Health Service budget; including those that have been vital during the COVID-19 public health emergency since declared in March 2020.

Posted July 7, 2021

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2022 Interior Bill; Large Increase for Indian Health Service

On July 1, 2021, the House Appropriations Committee advanced their Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Interior) appropriations bill by a vote of 32-24. Overall, the Interior bill will receive a 20.2% increase in its allocation over FY 2021, which is the second largest increase among the 12 annual appropriations bills in FY 2022...

Posted July 7, 2021

House Proposed Appropriations for Health IT Modernization for Indian Country

The House Appropriations Committee proposed language for Health Information Technology (health IT or HIT) modernization in the Department of The Interior, Environment, And Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2022. The Bill proposes $284.5 million. While these funds are not yet approved as of this writing, this is an important first step towards ensuring that the Indian health care system has the funding it needs to modernize its IT infrastructure...

Posted July 1, 2021

National Indian Health Board Submits Testimony to the House Natural Resources Committee

On July 1, the National Indian Health Board submitted testimony to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States for the hearing "Examining Federal Facilities in Indian Country." In the testimony, NIHB outlined the dire need for increased funding for Tribal health facilities, including facilities construction and improvement, sanitation facilities, behavioral health facilities and more.

Read NIHB's full testimony to the House Natural Resources Committee here.

Posted June 24, 2021

President Biden Announces Agreement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework

On Thursday June 24, President Biden and a coalition of 10 Senators, both Republican and Democrats, reached a deal on a legislative package called the 'Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework' outlining top-line spending levels of $1.2 trillion over eight years to provide long-term investment in America's physical infrastructure. The American Jobs Plan, initially announced by President Biden on March 31, is the Administration's initiative to invest nearly $2.3 trillion for American infrastructure.

On June 21, the National Indian Health Board submitted a letter to Congressional leadership outlining Tribal healthcare infrastructure requests, including $48 billion for full funding of the Indian Health Service, $21 billion for healthcare facilities construction, $3 billion for health IT modernization, and more.

Biden Administration Invests Additional $1.8 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding to Combat COVID-19 in Indian Country

On Tuesday, June 16, the Biden Administration announced an additional investment of $1.8 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to combat COVID-19 in Indian Country. This is in addition to an investment of more than $4 billion that was announced in April 2021. This investment is meant to strengthen the public health infrastructure in Indian Country, continue efforts to detect and treat COVID-19, support mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment, and meet facility and equipment needs.

Posted June 18, 2021

Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act, Secures Indian Health Care Improvement Act

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), representing the health interests of all 574 federally recognized Tribes, applauds the United States Supreme Court for upholding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a 7-2 decision on California v. Texas that challenged the law as unconstitutional. The high court's decision protects Medicaid Expansion and secures the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) which is the foundation of the modern Indian health care system.

Read the full release

Posted June 17, 2021

National Indian Health Board Submits Letter to Congress on the need for Electronic Health Record and Health IT Investment

On June 17, The National Indian Health Board submitted a letter to Congress outlining the need for increased funding for Health Information Technology (HIT) modernization for Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal health, and urban Indian health systems. NIHB requests that Congress fund Tribes. IHS, and Tribal health programs on a recurring basis for HIT modernization. Additionally, NIHB requests that Congress extends the Medicare Hardship Exception to IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health systems for the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program for an additional five years due to the current HIT's inability to meet the requirements.

NIHB's letter to Congress also includes bill text on modernizing the IHS, Tribal, and Tribal health HIT programs for lawmakers to use for future legislation. Read the full letter to Congress here.

Posted June 17, 2021

NIHB Letter to IHS on their Tribal Consultation Policy

On June 15, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent a letter to the Acting Director at the Indian Health Service (IHS) on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy. The letter details the need for IHS to update its consultation policy to include increased accountability, the acknowledgement of honoring the Tribe's right to request consultation at any time, and the establishment of continuous opportunities for meaningful engagement in policies that effect American Indian and Alaska Native people. NIHB requests that IHS issue a Dear Tribal Leader Letter 30 days after every consultation, providing an overview of the discussion with next steps for the agency to take. Similarly, IHS should avoid rapid consultation by implementing a policy to provide a 30-day notice of upcoming consultation. Finally, the letter also details the need for IHS to respect the sovereignty of Tribal communities' requests and continued involvement from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the IHS Budget Formulation process. As IHS reviews the comments on its Tribal Consultation Policy, NIHB will keep Tribes informed regarding the implementation of these and other recommendations brought forth by Tribes and Tribal Organizations.

Read the letter here.

Posted June 1, 2021

President Biden Releases his FY 2022 Congressional Justification

On May 28, President Joseph R. Biden released the Congressional Justification for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Presidential Budget. The Congressional Justification is the second part of the President's FY 2022 Discretionary Budget. The first part was the President's FY 2022 Budget Request that was released on April 9, 2021, and provided an overview of the President's budget priorities. The Congressional Justification provides a more in-depth analysis of the President's budget requests and proposed funding levels for various federal agencies.

Read NIHB's analysis of the budget here.

Posted May 17, 2021

NIHB Submits Testimony to the Department of Health and Human Services

On May 7, the National Indian Health Board submitted written testimony to the Department of Health and Human Services for the fiscal year 2023 National Tribal Budget Consultation. The testimony outlined Tribal funding requests for various departments throughout HHS including the Indian Health Service, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Office of Minority Health.

Read NIHB's full testimony here.

Posted April 29, 2021

NIHB Closes Tribal Public Health Summit with Public Health Innovation Awards Presentation

Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), the only Tribal organization that represents solely the healthcare needs and interests of all 574 federally recognized Tribes, presented its annual Public Health Innovation Awards in three categories - national, regional and local - for outstanding work on COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez received the national award, the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla's Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center received the regional award and the local award went to Vangie Natan with the White Mountain Apache Rainbow Treatment Center.

Read the full release

Posted April 28, 2021

NIHB Reminds Federal, Congressional Partners of Treaty Obligations at National Tribal Public Health Summit

At today's National Indian Health Board (NIHB) virtual National Tribal Public Health Summit, plenary guest speakers, which included an official from the Administration for Native Americans and two members of Congress, each touched on three factors that impact Tribal public health: social determinants of health, health disparities and racism.

Read the full release

Posted April 27, 2021

Federal Partners, Tribal Leaders, Native Youth Carry Messages of Resiliency, Overcoming COVID-19 Trauma at National Tribal Public Health Summit

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) opened its annual National Tribal Public Health Summit with messages from federal agency partners, Tribal leaders and experts on Tribal public health. The annual Summit is the premier public health event dedicated to public health practice, innovation, policy and advocacy in Indian Country. Messages of resiliency and strength resonated throughout the opening plenary speakers' words, and there was also an acknowledgement of the profound trauma that COVID-19 was left behind as it moved through Tribal communities.

Read the full release

Posted April 18, 2021

NIHB Chairman William Smith Testifies before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

On April 14, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on "Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Health System One Year Later." National Indian Health Board Chairman William Smith of the Valdez Native Tribe testified. Visit the Committee website for the full hearing recording. Read NIHB’s written testimony here.

Posted April 18, 2021

NIHB Joins NCAI Infrastructure Letter to Congress

On April 13, 2021, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) joined 29 other Tribal organizations in a letter led by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) outlining the immediate infrastructure needs in Indian Country in response to President Biden’s March 31 announcement of the $2 trillion American Jobs Plan. The letter was submitted to all Congressional committees of jurisdiction, Congressional leadership, and the White House.

NIHB’s asks focused on healthcare facilities infrastructure, public health infrastructure, Tribal health workforce development, and funding and implementation of unfunded provisions in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This includes full funding of the Indian Health Service (IHS) at $48 billion, over $31 billion for healthcare facilities construction, $10 billion for a non-competitive Tribal graduate medical education program, a $6 billion Tribal set-aside for medical residency programs, $3 billion for electronic health records and health information technology modernization, and $2.3 billion for Tribal public health infrastructure.

As Congress and the Biden Administration draft the $2 trillion American Jobs Plan, NIHB continues to advocate for further investments in the Indian health system. The full inter-organization letter can be read here.

Posted April 18, 2021

NIHB Comments on OMB's Tribal Consultation Plan

On April 9, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted comments to the Office of Budget Management (OMB) on the recent Tribal consultation that took place on April 2nd and 5th regarding the development of the OMB’s new Tribal consultation plan. Some highlights from these comments include the need for Tribes to request consultation with OMB at any time, the need for OMB to sporadically measure how well other federal agencies are honoring the trust responsibility, the need for top level leadership at OMB to be accessible to Tribal leaders, and the need for OMB to work with Tribes and federal agencies to determine the correct amount of funding being offered with the most sufficient distribution method for Tribes. Overall, NIHB’s comments expressed the specific need of a government-to-government relationship that OMB should strive for when creating policy and legislation pertaining to Tribes and Tribal citizens.

Posted April 16, 2021

NIHB Submits Testimony to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior

On April 16, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior. This committee has jurisdiction over the appropriation of funds for the Indian Health Service (IHS). In the testimony, NIHB outlined the FY 2022 budget needs of IHS based on the fiscal year (FY) 2022 National Budget Formulation Work Group recommendations. The recommendations include a phase-in of full funding for IHS at $48 Billion over ten years with $12.759 Billion for FY 2022 as the first year of that phase in and the passage of advanced appropriations for the IHS to protect IHS operations from government shutdowns. The testimony goes more in-depth on the top priorities within the $12.759 Billion for IHS, including hospitals and clinics, purchased and referred care, health information technology, mental health and substance abuse, facilities, and 105(l) lease expenditures.

Read the full testimony.

Posted April 13, 2021

President's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request: Indian Health Summary

On April 9, President Biden's discretionary budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 was released to Congress. The budget request proposes $769 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, which is a 16% increase over the FY 2021 enacted level, and $753 billion for national defense programs -- a 1.7% increase. Additionally, the request includes $131.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, a $25 billion or 23.5% increase from the 2021 enacted level. Later this spring, the Administration intends to release a detailed version of the budget request.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) compiled the Indian Health provisions included across several agencies within the President's proposed budget request.

Posted March 23, 2021

National Indian Health Board Outlines Tribal Heath Priorities in Testimony on the Year-in-Review of COVID-19

On March 23, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairman William Smith testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States on "A Year in Review: The State of COVID-19 in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Communities—Lessons Learned for Future Action." Chairman Smith identified several policy priorities needed to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities protect and prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic, including full funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), investing in water and sanitation infrastructure and expanding telehealth and behavioral health support.

Read the full press release

Posted March 16, 2021

NIHB All Tribes Call on COVID-19 Vaccines on Friday, March 19 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is hosting an important All Tribes Call on COVID-19 Vaccines to open up discussion around challenges and best practices of the Covid vaccine rollout for Indian Health Service facilities and Tribal clinics. NIHB invites Tribal leaders, Tribal health administrators, Tribal public health staff, Tribal advocates, stakeholders, and citizens to share with their peers the experiences and best approaches to getting community members vaccinated over the last few months. Information gathered will inform NIHB's ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts. Click to learn more.

Friday, March 19, 2021
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Register for the Webinar

Posted March 16, 2021

NIHB Congratulates Congresswoman Deb Haaland on Confirmation as Secretary of the Interior

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), a national Tribal organization representing the best health interests of American Indians and Alaska Natives, offered the following statements from NIHB Board of Directors Chairman William "Bill" Smith and NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen on the Senate confirmation of Congresswoman Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior.

Read the full press release

Posted March 12, 2021

NIHB Joined by Nine National Native Organizations in Letter to President Joe Biden to Request Prioritization of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington, DC Metropolitan Area for COVID-19 Vaccines

On Monday, March 8, 2021, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was joined by nine national Native organizations in a letter submitted to President Joe Biden, requesting that the Administration swiftly and effectively deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to the American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, as well as all urban Indians. The NIHB Board of Directors passed Resolution 21-01: Promoting and Prioritizing AI/ANs in the DC Metropolitan Area for the COVID-19 Vaccine on February 26, 2021. NIHB was joined in this effort by the National Council of Urban Indian Health, Native American Lifelines (the only urban Indian clinic in the Washington DC Area, located in Baltimore), National Indian Education Association, National American Indian Housing Council, Native American Finance Officers’ Association, Native American Contractors Association, National Indian Gaming Association, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Congress of American Indians.

Read the full letter.

Posted March 12, 2021

The U.S. Senate Passes the American Rescue Plan Act

On Saturday, March 6, the U.S. Senate passed their version of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, along a party-line vote 50-49. The Senate’s version is expected to pass the House of Representatives later this week and be signed into law by President Biden no later than Sunday, March 14. NIHB is excited that our recommendations to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs were heard and the Tribal provisions were not changed from the House of Representatives version of the ARP.NIHB

Download NIHB's Analysis of American Rescue Plan

Posted March 8, 2021

National Indian Health Board Releases 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda, Roadmap for Biden Administration

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) released its annual Legislative and Policy Agenda listing Tribal health-related administrative and legislative requests for 24 issues areas ranging from COVID-19 response and recovery and increased telehealth capacity to full funding for the Indian Health Service and improving water and sanitation infrastructure as an integral public health measure. The NIHB Board of Directors adopted the Agenda along with a Roadmap for the Biden Administration on February 26, 2021.

NIHB’s 2021 Legislative and Policy Agenda highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a disproportionate impact on American Indian and Alaska Native people and illuminated many of the disparities Tribes experience, which have led to worse COVID-19 outcomes.

NIHB’s Roadmap for the Biden Administration to Advance American Indian and Alaska Native Health and Public Health focuses on six areas: Supporting the Government to Government Relationship, Supporting Tribal Sovereignty, Supporting Workforce Development, Studying and Addressing Long-Term Issues and Pressing Problems, and Advancing Legislative Priorities.

Read the full press release.

Posted March 4, 2021

Federal Agencies Announce Tribal Consultations following President Biden's Executive Order

President Biden’s January 26, 2021 “Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships” is intended to strengthen the government's relationship with Tribes while encouraging federal agencies to consult with Tribes on all issues that impact Tribal Nations.

In March, several federal agencies that directly impact Tribal health are holding Tribal consultation sessions and/or have deadlines related to their Tribal consultation plans. This includes the US Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Click here to view the full schedule and comment deadlines.

Posted March 2, 2021

National Indian Health Board Elects Executive Committee

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to announce its Executive Committee members elected on February 26, 2021. These distinguished national Tribal health leaders will provide leadership and governance in advancing the organization's mission and vision for the best quality health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native people. NIHB's Board of Directors is comprised of 12 members each elected to serve on the NIHB Board from among the Tribes located within the 12 Indian Health Service geographic service areas.

Read the full press release

Posted February 26, 2021

NIHB Submits Testimony to House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on Tribal Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccines

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted written testimony in response to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing "Road to Recovery: Ramping up COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing and Medical Supply Chain" held on February 3, 2021. NIHB strongly urged the House Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure a minimum 5% direct set-aside of total healthcare funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal nations, and urban Indian organizations. Since the pandemic hit the United States in March 2020, American Indians and Alaska Natives have continued to sufferer increased COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates when compared to the general population while receiving care at historically underfunded facilities.

Read the full testimony.

Posted February 22, 2021

Join NIHB in Support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior

The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is holding a hearing on Tuesday, February 23 at 9:30 AM EST to consider the nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) to be Secretary of the Interior. Follow the link to watch the hearing: https://www.energy.senate.gov/live-webcast.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) fully supports Congresswoman Haaland's nomination. In December 2020, the NIHB Board of Directors sent a letter to then-President Elect Biden endorsing Congresswoman Haaland as the Secretary of the Interior as well as issued a press statement.

Ahead of the confirmation hearing on Feb. 23, NIHB encourages Tribal leaders, advocates, and community members to call the Senators urging a confirmation vote. NIHB has provided phone numbers and talking points.

Posted February 12, 2021

NIHB Supports Budget Reconciliation Package with Letter to Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

On Friday, February 12, NIHB sent a letter to Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) expressing support for the budget reconciliation package proposed by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Mirroring the House budget recommendations, it included:

$5.484 billion for Indian Health Service
$2 billion third-party relief
$1.5 billion for testing, tracing, Personal Protective Equipment
$600 million for vaccine education and distribution
$600 million health care facilities
$500 million Purchased/Referred Care
$420 million mental/behavioral health services
$240 million public health workforce
$140 million electronic health records/telehealth infrastructure
$84 million Urban Indian health
$10 million potable water delivery

Read the full letter.

Posted February 11, 2021

NIHB Submits Letter of Support for House Energy and Commerce Budget Reconciliation Legislation

On Thursday, February 11th, NIHB submitted a letter of support to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the inclusion of Tribal health priorities in their Budget Reconciliation legislation. The legislation, which is being marked up Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th, invests $6.094 billion in Tribal health priorities including:

$5.484 billion for Indian Health Service
$2 billion 3rd party relief
$1.5 billion for testing, tracing, Personal Protective Equipment
$600 million for vaccine education and distribution
$600 million health care facilities
$500 million Purchased/Referred Care
$420 million mental/behavioral health services
$240 million public health workforce
$140 million electronic health records/telehealth infrastructure
$84 million Urban Indian health
$10 million potable water delivery

Read the full letter.

Posted February 11, 2021

NIHB Joins Letter to President Biden Requesting an Immediate Halt to the Dakota Access Pipeline

On Tuesday, February 9th, the National Indian Health (NIHB) joined 13 other Tribal organizations in a letter to President Biden requesting an immediate halt to the construction and operation of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The letter echoes a January 19th letter from the Standing Rock Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Oglala Sioux, and Yankton Sioux Tribes, where they outline the illegality of the current construction and operation of the DAPL given the lack of an environmental impact study with Tribal consultation. A January 26th ruling from the DC Circuit Court of Appeals also affirmed the need for a comprehensive environmental review before the approval of such projects and that the pipeline's easement violated Tribal rights. NIHB Resolution 16-02, Supporting Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline affirms it as a threat to the water supply, health and well-being of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Tribal communities.

Posted February 8, 2021

NIHB Statement on the passing of Former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) offered the following statement from NIHB Chairman William Smith on the loss of former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale.

"On behalf of the National Indian Health Board, my heart and prayers go out to Albert Hale, his family, and to all who knew Albert. As a fellow Tribal leader and Vice President of the Valdez Native Tribe, I know the steadfast strength and courage it takes to stand up for our people and make their voices heard. He was a true warrior for Indian country."

Read the full press release.

Posted February 3, 2021

NIHB signs on to Joint Letter to Congress Regarding Tribal Priorities

On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, the National Indian Health Board joined the National Congress of American Indians, National Council of Urban Indian Health and fifteen Tribal organizations in a letter to Congress to ensure that Indian Country's COVID-19 concerns and priorities are comprehensively addressed in the next relief package.

The Tribal health priorities outlined in the letter are as follows:

Minimum $8 billion directly related to the COVID-19 public health response to the Indian/Tribal/Urban (I/T/U) system including:
- Minimum $1 billion vaccination distribution and implementation
- Minimum $250 million in COVID-19 testing
- Minimum $200 million for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and the deployment of supplement medical personnel
Minimum $1 billion for Native veterans' health through the Veterans Health Administration
Minimum $200 million tribal set aside for support of mental and behavioral health programs
Minimum $40 million tribal set aside for programs that serve as response to domestic abuse
Minimum $3 billion in funds to replenish third party revenue loss in the I/T/U system
Minimum $2.67 billion for the construction and improvement of water and sanitation infrastructure for the I/T/U system and Tribal communities
Extend full (100 percent) Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to Urban Indian Organizations
Permanently extend waivers under Medicare for the use of telehealth

Read the full letter.

Posted February 3, 2021

Partnership Brings $250K Of Pandemic Supplies To Great Plains Tribes

The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTLHB), AT&T's FirstNet Program, and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) have partnered to distribute more than a quarter-million dollars' worth of pandemic related supplies to Tribal nations in the Great Plains area.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a steady supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been hard to come by. Recognizing the dire need in Indian Country, AT&T's FirstNet Program pledged to donate items like hand sanitizer, N-95 Facemasks, cleaning supplies, and gloves to Tribal communities. FirstNet reached out to NIHB, who then notified its member organizations, including the GPTLHB, which jumped at the opportunity to manage the distribution of tens of thousands of items.

"The National Indian Health Board greatly values its partnerships with Tribes and member organizations, and the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced just how important partnerships outside of Indian Country are to NIHB's work for Tribes. NIHB was pleased to partner with AT&T and the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board to bring PPE and supplies to healthcare and frontline workers. This effort highlights the drive and power of collaboration between public and private entities. NIHB hopes more partners in corporate America will support our Tribes and Tribal organizations as they work to combat this virus that has greatly impacted our communities," said NIHB COO Carolyn Hornbuckle.

Read the full release.

Posted February 3, 2021

Indian Health Service issues letter on Allocation Decisions of CDC Funds

On February 2, 2021, the Indian Health Service (IHS) Acting Director sent a letter to Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organizations to announce the allocation decisions for $210 million in new resources transferred from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the IHS. The funds are to support COVID-19 vaccine-related activities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. They were authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. These funds are one-time, non-recurring, and can only be used for the purposes specified in the statute.

Of the $210 million transferred from the CDC to the IHS for vaccine-related activities,

$190 million to IHS Federal health programs and Tribal Health Programs (THPs), using existing distribution methodologies for program increases in Hospitals and Health Clinics, Purchased/Referred Care, Community Health Representatives, and Public Health Nursing. All THPs will receive these one-time, non-recurring funds through unilateral modifications and/or amendments to their existing ISDEAA agreements.
$10 million to support Urban Indian Organizations.
$10 million for additional public health support activities, including additional resources for Tribal Epidemiology Centers, the development and production of culturally appropriate education materials, partnerships with national AI/AN organizations and academic institutions, and other critical support activities.

Read the full letter.

Posted February 2, 2021

NIHB sends Letters to Congressional Leadership Outlining Tribal Priorities

With the release of President Biden's American Rescue Plan proposal to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic, the National Indian Health Board has sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Speaker Pelosi outlining legislative priorities to address the dire public health concerns that face Indian Country during this time.

Read NIHB's Letter to the Senate.

Read NIHB's Letter to the House.

Posted January 25, 2021

President Biden Signs Executive Orders, Releases Strategic Plan on COVID-19 Response

In his first days in office, President Joe Biden signed several Executive Orders (EOs) and released a National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Awareness. In some areas, the EOs bring opportunities for advocacy ensuring American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) voices are heard. The EOs also bring opportunities for consultation with the federal government to improve testing, vaccination, and treatment for patients using the Indian health care system. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) summarizes the EOs that impact Tribes and the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Posted January 12, 2021

National Indian Health Board Fills Key Director Position on Public Health Policy and Programs Team

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to welcome Tyler Dougherty as Director of Public Health Policy and Programs (PHPP). Mr. Dougherty will lead NIHB's public health priorities and advocacy efforts; cultivate partnerships with federal agency, state, and Tribal partners; and oversee NIHB's strategic planning to expand its Tribal public health department in response to the increased need for resources and technical assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Dougherty joins NIHB from the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board Oklahoma Area Tribal Epidemiology Center where he managed multiple federal grants that served the 44 federally recognized Tribes across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Mr. Dougherty has a Master of Public Health in biostatistics from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Hudson College of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Oklahoma.

Read the full press release.

2020

Posted December 24, 2020

Congress Passes Several Significant Native Veteran's Health Bills

Before Congress recessed for the holiday, it passed several significant Native veteran's health bills – the Native American Veterans PACT Act, the Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee Act and the PRC for Native Veterans Act – that impact the delivery, access, and coordination of healthcare for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans who receive care from both the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Veterans Administration (VA).

Read the full release

Posted December 23, 2020

NIHB signs on to Op-Ed on Preventing COVID-19 During the Holiday Season

The National Indian Health Board, along with the National Council of Urban Indian Health, Association of American Indian Physicians and the Indian Health Service authored an op-ed on Preventing COVID-19 During the Holiday Season. Spending time with loved ones is an important part of promoting all aspects of our health - physical, mental, social, and spiritual. This year, however, it is important to focus on slowing the spread of COVID-19, to decrease hospitalizations and deaths in Native communities.

Read the full op-ed

Posted December 22, 2020

National Indian Health Board Awarded $261,000 in COVID-19 Response Grants

WASHINGTON, DC—December 22, 2020—In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) supported 40 Tribes and Tribal organizations through mini-grants totaling around $261,000 to aid in their local COVID-19 responses.

Read the full release

Posted December 22, 2020

Congress Seals $2.5 trillion Spending and Stimulus Package

After months of impasse in negotiations, and at the 11th hour, Congress clinched a bipartisan and bicameral deal on a roughly $900 billion COVID-19 pandemic stimulus bill. The package is attached to a massive $1.4 trillion Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 omnibus appropriations package - which includes all twelve appropriations bills including the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill that funds the Indian Health Service (IHS). Alongside the stimulus and appropriations package is the surprise billing package provides the federal cost savings to pay for a 3-year extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI).

Read NIHB's full Legislative Action Alert

Posted December 21, 2020

NIHB Statement on Congresswoman Deb Haaland as Biden-Harris Pick to Lead the Department of the Interior

WASHINGTON, DC—December 18, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) offered the following statement from CEO Stacy A. Bohlen on the Biden-Administration's nomination of Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) to serve as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Read the full statement

Posted December 14, 2020

NIHB Statement on FDA Approval of Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine for Use, Distribution

WASHINGTON, DC—December 14, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) offered the following statement from CEO Stacy A. Bohlen on the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) recent approval of emergency use authorization to distribute the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

Read the full release.

Posted December 9, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden Announces Nominations for HHS Leadership

On December 8, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced key nominations and appointments of his health team, that includes Dr. Anthony Fauci who will continue his role as Chief Medical Adviser to the President on COVID-19. The team are leaders with deep experience in public health, government, and crisis management.

Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services - Attorney General of California, long-time champion of expanding access to healthcare, and former Congressman who helped pass the Affordable Care Act.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General - A physician, research scientist, and former Vice Admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He currently serves as co-chair of the President-elect's COVID-19 transition Advisory Board.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - An expert on virus testing, prevention, and treatment. She is the Chief of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, COVID-19 Equity Task Force Chair - An expert on health care disparities. She is the founding director of Yale's Equity Research and Innovation Center and co-chair of the President-elect's COVID-19 Transition Advisory Board. Dr. Nunez-Smith will advise the President-elect on a whole-of-government effort to reduce COVID-19 disparities in response, care, and treatment, including racial and ethnic disparities.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - The nation's preeminent expert on infectious diseases. Dr. Fauci will remain an essential voice both in informing the public about health risks and safety measures and in helping the scientific community, the Biden-Harris administration, and local officials overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeff Zients, Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President - An accomplished public servant widely known for his extraordinary track record successfully managing large and complex initiatives. Mr. Zients will advise the president-elect on the implementation of the federal government's COVID response, including managing safe and equitable vaccine distribution, the pandemic supply chain, and coordination across federal agencies and state and local governments.
Natalie Quillian, Deputy Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response - A national security expert and former White House and Pentagon senior advisor who played an instrumental role in coordinating the Obama-Biden administration's interagency response to the opioid epidemic.

Read the complete announcement here.

Posted December 8, 2020

NIHB, NCAI and NCUIH Send Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders on COVID-19 Relief for Indian Country

The National Indian Health Board, alongside the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) sent a letter to Congressional leadership on December 4, 2020. The letter urges Congress to include direct health relief funding to Tribes, including for vaccine distribution, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, third-party reimbursement shortfall relief, and other provisions.

Read the full letter.

Posted December 8, 2020

NIHB, NCAI and NCUIH Send Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders Urging passage of Native Veterans Bills

The National Indian Health Board, alongside the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) sent a letter to Congressional leadership on December 4, 2020. The letter urges passage of Native Veterans bills including legislation to establish a Tribal Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and legislation to eliminate copays for Native Veterans, and to ensure the VA is fully reimbursing the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribes for services authorized under Purchased/Referred Care.

Read the full letter.

Posted November 16, 2020

NIHB Leads Efforts on Joint Letter to Indian Health Service Regarding Expanding Tribal Self-Determination and Self-Governance Authority for Special Diabetes Program for Indians

On Friday, November 13, NIHB was joined by ten Tribes and Tribal organizations in a letter submitted to Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Weahkee and members of Congress outlining the Tribes' final and official position on a legislative amendment to the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) to permit Tribes and Tribal organizations to receive SDPI awards through Title I self-determination contracts or Title V self-governance compacts.

Read the full letter

Posted November 10, 2020

NIHB sends letter to USCCR Regarding Withholding of COVID-19 Report

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has submitted a letter to the United State Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) to express concern about their recent decision to not release a report that detailed COVID-19’s impact on Indian Country. In the letter we expressed our belief that this report contains information that would be vital for helping Tribal leaders respond to the pandemic, through both direct action and advocacy for policy changes. We are deeply disappointed in this decision and the lack of justification provided for it. We hope that the USCCR reverses this decision and releases their report.

Read the full letter

Posted November 3, 2020

NIHB Briefs Stakeholders on the Importance of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

On Tuesday, October 27 the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), along with the Endocrine Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), hosted a virtual briefing to educate Congressional staff about the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) and its importance of extending both programs before the continuing resolution expires on December 11, 2020. Together, all three organizations are advocating for a long-term reauthorization of 5 year and $150 million per program per year.

Earlier in October, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced the release of their 2020 Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Report to Congress, Changing the Course of Diabetes: Charting Remarkable Progress. This new report highlights SDPI's ongoing and outstanding contributions to improvements in diabetes care and health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. In the report, Ann Bullock, Director of the IHS Division of Diabetes states, "These improvements have huge implications for quality of life and health care costs. Sustained efforts in diabetes prevention and treatment are critical to ensuring continued advances in the health of AI/AN people. The SDPI has been, and continues to be, key to this remarkable progress." A recording of the virtual briefing may be viewed here.

Posted November 2, 2020

New Deadline Announced for Tribes to Choose COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on today’s national webinar hosted by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), that Operation Warp Speed has approved a one week extension for Tribes with healthcare facilities to determine their vaccine distribution preference. HHS sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter urging that Tribes with healthcare facilities now have until November 6 to contact the Indian Health Service (IHS) to indicate if they would like to be included in IHS’ distribution or contact their state health authority if they want to be included in the state's distribution.

The expedited deadline for Tribes to respond with their decision quickly became one of NIHB's top concerns. In regard to the Administration’s evolving plans to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, NIHB continues to offer a platform for Tribes to participate in national Tribal advocacy efforts to ensure the Tribes' voices are heard. NIHB commends the work of national and regional Tribal organizations, along with all Tribes across Indian Country, to make certain that the concerns of Tribal Nations are acknowledged and addressed. NIHB, with nine other organizations, submitted a letter to HHS Secretary Azar asking for an extension of the deadline, more information on the vaccine plans, and greater flexibility for Tribes.

Tribes are encouraged to reach out to their state health authority and their IHS Area Office COVID Vaccine Point of Contact to better understand the details of their COVID-19 plans to help make this decision based on the information available to date. The new deadline is November 6, 2020.

If your Tribe already submitted its preference and wishes to keep its decision, no further action is needed. Tribes can choose to receive the vaccine through their IHS Area Office or state health authority.
If your Tribe already submitted its preference and wishes to change its decision, please contact [email protected] to make a correction.

NIHB Resources on HHS/IHS COVID-19 Vaccine Planning

Posted October 29, 2020

NIHB All Tribes Call Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines – Friday, October 30

Please join NIHB for an important informational call to learn more about the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Draft Plan which was released October 14. Agency representatives will provide an overview of the plan, share a summary of Tribal comments they have received on it, and outline an expected timeline for finalizing the plan. NIHB will also be joined by representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC will provide information on the process states are following to submit their vaccine plans, and an update on the progress to date. After these presentations, participants will be given an opportunity to ask questions. NIHB urges all Tribes to participate in the call, but for those that cannot join us live, we will post a recording of the session on our website so that Tribes can access the materials after the event.

Friday, October 30, 2020
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Join the Webinar

Posted October 22, 2020

NIHB joined by partner organizations in letter to IHS regarding National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup

On Tuesday. October 13, 2020, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Michael D. Weahkee outlining NIHB’s strong concerns with loss of NIHB’s funding to support the critical work of the National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup (TBFWG). For decades, NIHB has been entrusted by Tribal Nations to help facilitate the national convening of the TBFWG and in drafting and publishing an annual budget book detailing the priorities and recommendations of Tribes across Indian Country towards a fully funded and operational Indian health system. NIHB was joined by Alaska Native Health Board, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Association of American Indian Physicians, California Rural Indian Health Board, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, Southern Plains Tribal Health Board and United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc. as signatories on this letter.

Read the letter

Posted October 22, 2020

Press Release: NIHB Closes National Tribal Health Conference with Messages of Community, Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC—October 16, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) concluded its annual National Tribal Health Conference today with a panel discussion on the behavioral health that honed in on the human effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and how American Indians and Alaska Natives are dealing with the impacts of the social changes and the importance of self-care and community. Read more.

Posted October 16, 2020

IHS Releases COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Draft Plan, Invitation to Comment – Deadline 10/21/20

In September, the United States Department of Health and Human Services initiated Tribal consultation to seek input from Tribal leaders on COVID-19 vaccine planning for Indian Country. The Indian Health Service (IHS) issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) to request input through Wednesday, October 21, on the Indian Health Service (IHS) COVID‑19 Pandemic Vaccine Draft Plan.

IHS developed and will continue to tailor the plan based on available information and Tribal leader input. Specifically, IHS will continue to assess, respond, and adapt federal guidance as new information becomes available regarding vaccine developments, vaccine storage requirements, risk groups, and recommendations prioritized by researchers and guidance bodies.

Tribal programs may submit written comments on the Draft Plan to [email protected] - SUBJECT LINE: IHS COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Draft Plan. The deadline for written comments on this Tribal Consultation is Wednesday, October 21, 2020.

Posted October 16, 2020

Press Release: Lawmakers Discuss Affordable Care Act Threats, Federal Officials Cover COVID-19 Impacts at NIHB National Tribal Health Conference

WASHINGTON, DC—October 15, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) today during its annual National Tribal Health Conference welcomed key federal officials and lawmakers to address conference attendees on areas that are important to their work including funding for critical programs to support COVID-19 response and the extreme threat to the Affordable Care Act, which reauthorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and protected the Indian health system. Read more.

Posted October 15, 2020

Press Release: Tribal Leaders Share Experiences Navigating COVID-19 Impacts, Responses to Nearly 900 Virtual Attendees at NIHB National Tribal Health Conference

WASHINGTON, DC—October 14, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) opened its annual National Tribal Health Conference to a virtual audience of nearly 900 Tribal leaders, health professionals, advocates and federal and Congressional partners to discuss Tribal health issues that are particularly poignant during a public health crisis, including COVID-19 Tribal impact and federal response, vaccine planning and the importance of maintaining community and expressing acts of love. Read More

Posted October 15, 2020

Press Release: Tribal Leaders, Health Advocates Press Federal Agencies on Funding, Programs to Aid COVID-19 Response in Indian Country

WASHINGTON, DC—October 13, 2020—Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted two federal agency Tribal listening sessions and one Tribal consultation during the pre-conference day of this year’s NIHB’s virtual National Tribal Health Conference. Read more.

Posted October 6, 2020

HHS Opens Additional Tranche of Provider Relief Funding - Applications Due November 6, 2020

On Thursday October 1, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced their decision to allocate an additional $20 billion dollars in funding from the Provider Relief Fund. This new Phase 3 General Distribution will be open to providers who have already received general distribution funding, including those who have already received 2% of annual revenue that they get from patient care. Providers who have already received 2% of annual revenue are invited to submit additional information to become eligible for an additional payment. HHS will begin accepting applications on Monday, October 5th and the due date for submission is November 6, 2020. For more information, please visit this link.

Posted September 28, 2020

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Tribal Consultation Calls on COVID-19 Vaccines

On Thursday, September 24, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Hargan sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) announcing the initiation of Tribal Consultation to seek input from Tribal Leaders on COVID-19 vaccination planning for Indian Country. This Tribal Consultation complements the state planning process that began last week with the publication of the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations. This playbook guides Immunization Program Awardees (e.g., state and local jurisdictions with routine immunization programs) in planning and operationalizing their COVID-19 vaccination response.

Tribal Leaders will have several forums to discuss vaccination planning for distribution and allocation, including the following national and regional conference calls:

September 28, 2020; 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 1, 2, 3, 4
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 433 5800
September 28, 2020; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET: HHS Region 5
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 237 2009
September 29, 2020; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 6
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 978 7009
September 29, 2020; 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET: HHS Regions 7, 8
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 692 6624
October 1, 2020; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET: HHS Region 9
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 650 2728
October 1, 2020; 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET, HHS Region 10
Dial-In: (415) 527-5035; Passcode: 199 442 6687

In addition to feedback during conference calls, Tribal leaders can provide input and recommendations in writing by submitting comments to [email protected]. The deadline for written comments on this Tribal Consultation is Friday, October 9, 2020.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) held a webinar on Friday, September 25th with information on vaccine planning. The webinar included an overview of the federal government's COVID-19 vaccine planning activities and highlighted considerations for Tribal Leaders and health organizations serving Tribal and urban Indian communities making decisions on vaccine distribution.

View the Webinar Recording

View the Slide Presentations:

Posted September 22, 2020

CDC Reverses Testing Guideline Changes

On September 18th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced its decision to reverse an earlier recommendation and are now recommending that all persons who have come into contact with someone with a documented COVID-19 positive to be tested for the virus, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. NIHB wrote a letter to the agency on August 28th urging the agency to take this action. The earlier guidance had recommended this action only if the person was experiencing symptoms or in a vulnerable group.

Posted September 18, 2020

HHS Releases COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) released two documents on September 16, 2020, outlining the Administration’s detailed strategy to deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses to the American people.

The documents, developed by HHS in coordination with DoD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provide a strategic distribution overview along with an interim playbook for state, Tribal, territorial, and local public health programs and their partners on how to plan and operationalize a vaccination response to COVID-19 within their respective jurisdictions.

The National Indian Health Board has been engaged in tracking the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. On July 30, 2020, NIHB, joined by the National Congress of American Indians and National Council of Urban Indian Health submitted a letter to House and Senate appropriators urging them to ensure a minimum 5% statutory set-aside in funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution for the Indian Health Service, Tribal Nations, and urban Indian organizations in this next COVID-19 pandemic relief package. Read the full letter here. On Friday, September 4, 2020, the National Indian Health Board submitted comments to the National Academies in response to a public comment period on their draft Framework for Equitable Allocation of Vaccine for the Novel Coronavirus. Read NIHB's comment letter here.

Read the full press release from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Download the Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine - PDF*
Download the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook - PDF
Download the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Process Infographic - PDF

Posted September 17, 2020

NIHB Releases 2019 Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan Report

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released the 2019 Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS) Report that provides a comprehensive picture of Tribal public health infrastructure and activities, specifically, immunization, screening, and prevention/education activities that are widely occurring across Indian Country.

See the full report. Read NIHB’s full press release.

Posted September 16, 2020

HRSA Tribal Consultation Scheduled During NIHB Virtual Conference - October 13, 2020

The National Indian Health Board is offering a platform during its upcoming virtual conference for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to host its annual Tribal Consultation. The HRSA consultation, which is in support of the agency's ongoing commitment to partner with Tribes, is free and open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT). Tribal officials may submit written comments to [email protected] by September 28, 2020.

Read the Dear Tribal Leader Letter.

To participate in this HRSA Tribal Consultation, please dial in at least 10 minutes before the appointed time to:
Conference number: 800-779-7169;

Participant passcode: 6122629
Adobe Connect: https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/atcmeeting

Posted September 14, 2020

NIHB sends Joint Letter to Congressional Leadership for extension of SDPI and other health provisions

On Friday September 11, NIHB submitted a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader McConnell, House Minority Leader McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Schumer, urging immediate action in support of a 5-year extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and other expiring health extenders. These include the National Health Service Corps, Community Health Center Fund, and Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education. NIHB was joined by seventeen signatories including but not limited to JDRF, Endocrine Society, National Association of Community Health Centers, American Diabetes Association, Families USA, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Read the full letter.

Posted September 11, 2020

NIHB sends letter urging IHS to retract and correct its TA to Congress regarding funding methods for SDPI

Earlier today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent a letter to the Indian Health Service (IHS) regarding the Technical Assistance it provided to Congress on the funding mechanisms for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) in July.

The letter urges IHS to retract its misleading TA, and instead work with Tribes to advance the proven method of self-determination and self-governance in furtherance of federal Treaty obligations to Tribal Nations and AI/AN Peoples.

Read the full letter.

Posted September 10, 2020

HRSA Requests Nominations for Tribal Advisory Council - Deadline is September 30

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) plans to create a Tribal Advisory Council and seeks nominations for membership from the Indian Health Service geographic areas of Alaska, Albuquerque, Billings, Navajo, Phoenix, and Tucson. Nominations for members must be received on or before September 30, 2020.

View the Dear Tribal Leader Letter

View the Federal Register Notice

For questions, please contact Dr. Elijah K. Martin, Jr., Tribal Health Affairs, HRSA Office of Health Equity at [email protected].

Posted September 9, 2020

NIHB Leads Efforts for a Joint Letter to Congressional Leadership on Pandemic Relief Funding

On September 8, NIHB submitted a letter to congressional leadership alongside the National Congress of American Indians and National Council of Urban Indian Health urging immediate action on critical Tribal health priorities in response to COVID-19. In particular, the inter-organizational letter led by NIHB calls on Congress to immediately pass:

Minimum $2 billion in emergency funds to IHS for immediate distribution to the I/T/U system
Minimum $1 billion to replenish lost 3rd party reimbursements across the I/T/U system
Prioritize equitable distribution of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine across Indian Country, including a minimum 5% set-aside in vaccine funds for the I/T/U system
Minimum $1 billion for water and sanitation systems across IHS and Tribal communities
Passage of the bipartisan S.3937 – Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2020

Read the full letter

Posted September 25, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Information Session for Tribal Communities and HHS Regional Consultations

Please join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) this Friday, September 25 for an important information session on COVID 19 vaccine planning. The purpose of this NIHB webinar is to introduce Tribal leaders to COVID-19 vaccine distribution options and planning considerations. The webinar will include an overview of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine planning activities, and will highlight considerations for Tribal leaders and health organizations serving Tribal and urban Indian communities making decisions about vaccine distribution. The goal of the webinar is to provide background information about COVID-19 vaccine development and potential distribution scenarios in preparation for the HHS regional Tribal consultation calls about COVID-19 vaccine distribution - detailed below.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Join by Zoom Webinar
Meeting ID: 602 882 0884
Passcode: 09232020
Toll Free Dial In: 833 548 0276

On Thursday, September 24, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Hargan sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) announcing the initiation of Tribal Consultation to seek input from Tribal Leaders on COVID-19 vaccination planning for Indian Country. This Tribal Consultation complements the state planning process that began last week with the publication of the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook for Jurisdiction Operations. This playbook guides Immunization Program Awardees (e.g., state and local jurisdictions with routine immunization programs) in planning and operationalizing their COVID-19 vaccination response. See the full HHS Regional Consultation on Vaccines Schedule for September 28, 29 and October 1, 2020.

In addition to feedback during conference calls, Tribal leaders can provide input and recommendations in writing by submitting comments to [email protected]. The deadline for written comments on this Tribal Consultation is Friday, October 9, 2020.

Posted August 21, 2020

HRSA Tribal Consultation on the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
Monday, August 31, 2020

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) is conducting this rapid Tribal consultation to seek input and Tribal recommendations on the allocations of CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on April 22, 2020.

AGENDA

3:00- 3: 15 PM Welcome
- Opening Prayer
- Opening Comments and Welcome - Tom Engels, Administrator, HRSA
- Update - Tonya Bowers, Lead, Provider Relief Fund, HRSA
3:15 – 3:55 PM Open Discussion with Tribal Leaders
3:55 PM – 4:00 PM Closing and Adjourn call

Date: Monday, August 31, 2020
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Dial-in Number: 888-566-7684
Participant Passcode: 7562556

Posted August 19, 2020

Oklahoma Withdraws Healthy Adult Opportunity Waiver

On August 11, 2020, Oklahoma notified the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of their intent to withdraw their application for the Healthy Adult Opportunity (HAO) Section 1115 demonstration waiver. This decision comes in the wake of the passage of State Question 802, which expanded Medicaid in the state and enshrined it in the state’s constitution. If successful, the HAO waiver would have imposed a capped Medicaid structure on the state's Medicaid expansion population. The state had indicated an intent to pair the HAO waiver with a newly enacted Medicaid expansion, which would have existed separately from State Question 802. However, the passage of State Question 802 raised questions of its compatibility with the proposed waiver. Oklahoma announced their interest in the waiver upon the announcement of its availability in January. No other states have officially indicated an interest in pursuing the HAO waiver.

On June 26, NIHB expressed opposition to the approval of the waiver. Read NIHB's letter.

Posted August 11, 2020

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Requests Nominations for the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee – Due September 11, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) requesting nominations for the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) for a number of regions, and for at-large members to serve two-year terms. The vacancies are listed below.

The STAC was established in 2010 by HHS in an effort to create a coordinated, Department-wide strategy to incorporate Tribal guidance on HHS priorities, policies, and budget. In working closely with Tribal leadership on this committee, the Department has elevated the level of attention given to the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes and has developed mechanisms for continuous improvement and communication with our partnerships with Tribes.

Nominations are due by September 11, 2020. The new delegates and alternates will be notified by October 2, 2020.

Albuquerque Primary and Alternate
Bemidji Area Primary and Alternate
California Primary and Alternate
Nashville Primary and Alternate
Navajo Primary and Alternate
Oklahoma Primary and Alternate
Portland Primary and Alternate
Tucson Primary and Alternate
National At-Large Primary Delegates (2)

Read the full letter

Posted August 7, 2020

NIHB Submits Letter to President Donald Trump Outlining Tribal COVID-19 Health Priorities

On Thursday August 6, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to President Trump urging his Administration to endorse critical Tribal COVID-19 health priorities as negotiations continue on the next congressional pandemic relief package. The priorities outlined in NIHB's letter reflect many urgent priorities communicated by Tribal leaders in furtherance of federal treaty obligations and to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Tribal Nations and American Indian and Alaska Native people. The provisions outlined in NIHB's letter to the President include:

Minimum $2 billion in emergency funds for the Indian Health Service
Minimum $1 billion for water and sanitation infrastructure across Indian Country
Minimum $1 billion to replenish shortfalls in 3rd party reimbursements across the Indian health system
Passage of the bipartisan S. 3937 – Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2020
Minimum 5% set-aside for the Indian health system for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, monitoring, and tracking
Ensure direct funding to Tribes, and minimize or exempt Tribes from burdensome grant reporting and administrative requirements

Read the full letter.

Posted August 5, 2020

VA to host Virtual Tribal Consultation on Care Coordination on August 25, 2020

Tribal leaders and Tribal health directors are invited to a virtual Tribal consultation hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) focusing on care coordination for veterans receiving care under VA's Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program (IHS/THP) Reimbursement Agreement Program (RAP). The virtual Tribal consultation session is on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Participants are encouraged to interact by sharing comments/questions using the chat function during the presentation.

Tribal input and recommendations will help the VA in enhancing and improving its care coordination for AI/AN Veterans who use IHS/THP RAP, while ensuring VA upholds its responsibility to veterans healthcare. Find program information, including templates, provider guides, and fact sheets, at VA Office of Community Care's website and the Office of Tribal Government Relations' website.

Submit written comments to [email protected] before September 25, 2020, or by mail to Department of Veterans Affairs, Suite 915L, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. For questions, contact [email protected].

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Call-in number: 1-800-767-1750 Extension: 85286
Join the Session

Posted July 30, 2020

NIHB Sends Letter to Congressional Appropriators Urging Dedicated Funding to Indian Country for COVID-19 Vaccines

On July 30, 2020, NIHB joined by the National Congress of American Indians and National Council of Urban Indian Health submitted a letter to House and Senate appropriators urging them to ensure a minimum 5% statutory set-aside in funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution for the Indian Health Service, Tribal Nations, and urban Indian organizations in this next COVID-19 pandemic relief package.

Read the full letter here.

Posted July 29, 2020

NIHB Leads Efforts for Joint Letter to Congress Opposing Policy Changes to Medicaid FMAP

On Tuesday July 27, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent joint a letter to Congress firmly opposing any policy that would undo decades of precedent in federal Medicaid policy towards Tribal Nations by extending 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to States for Medicaid services rendered by providers outside the Indian health system to American Indians/Alaska Natives. This policy would seek to stabilize state Medicaid programs at the direct expense of the Indian health system, and runs contrary to federal trust and treaty obligations.

NIHB joined Tribal Nations, National Congress of American Indians, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and multiple regional Tribal organizations in this important advocacy. NIHB encourages all Tribal Nations and organizations to join us in showing that Indian Country is uniformly opposed to this provision by sending similar letters. Please find this template letter on NIHB's Tribal COVID-19 Resource Center. Read the joint letter here.

Posted July 22, 2020

National Indian Health Board Supports House Bill to Require Veterans Health Administration to Reimburse Indian Health Providers

WASHINGTON, DC—July 22, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Acting Chairman William Smith testified today before the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States (SCIP) for a legislative hearing on the “PRC for Native Veterans Act” (H.R. 6237). This critical bill would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to clarify that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Department of Defense are required to reimburse the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health programs for healthcare services provided to Native veterans through an authorized referral. Acting Chairman Smith, who is a Vietnam veteran, stressed that third-party reimbursement adds funds to the IHS Purchase/Referred Care (PRC) system so specialty services can be purchased and reiterated that the government has a dual responsibility to Native veterans.

Read the full release

Posted July 21, 2020

National Indian Health Board Releases Online Training to Support Non-Native Entities to Respectfully Engage with Tribal Nations

WASHINGTON, DC—July 21, 2020— The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to release the Working with Tribal Nations Training, a free, interactive e-course intended to build the capacity of state and federal government officials and other non-Native stakeholders to work collaboratively and effectively with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal systems. The training provides background on Indigenous people's contact with Europeans, how the colonial experience has impacted the health and well-being of Tribal populations and best practices for successful engagement with Tribal governments.

Created by NIHB with funding and support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Working with Tribal Nations Training is part of NIHB’s aim to expand knowledge about Tribes across all levels of government; elevate the visibility of American Indian and Alaska Native healthcare and public health needs; and improve non-Native government employees’ familiarity and comfort with working alongside Tribes.

Read the full release

Posted July 17, 2020

National Indian Health Board Cites Failed U.S. Policies Toward American Indians for Severe COVID-19 Impacts in Testimony Before U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

WASHINGTON, DC—July 17, 2020— The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Acting Chairman William Smith from the Valdez Native Tribe of Alaska testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights as part of a virtual public briefing, titled: COVID-19 in Indian Country: The Impact of Federal Broken Promises on Native Americans. In his oral remarks before the Commission, Acting Chairman Smith discussed the federal government’s failure to fulfill its treaty obligations to the Tribes for healthcare and public health, made evident by chronic underfunding of Indian Health Service (IHS), paternalistic oversight over Tribal programs and reluctance to expand self-determination and self-governance policies across federal agencies. The federal government’s failure to honor treaty obligations is directly tied to the disproportionate and extreme impacts of COVID-19 in Indian Country.

Read the full press release.

Posted July 16, 2020

NIHB Submits Letter Asking for Extension of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on July 15, 2020

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar asking for an extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) beyond its currently scheduled end date of July 25, 2020. The letter highlights that the circumstances that necessitated the public health emergency are not only still present but have only gotten worse, with the United States reaching record highs of new cases on a near daily basis. It also highlights that a lot of the emergency powers, including waivers to Medicare and Medicaid, are conditioned on the existence of the Public Health Emergency.

Read the full letter.

Posted July 15, 2020

NIHB Webinar: Health Insurance Enrollment During COVID-19

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is hosting a webinar on Health Insurance Enrollment During COVID-19 on Thursday, July 30 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm Eastern Time. This webinar is for enrollment assisters, patient registration and benefits coordinators.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made it critical for enrollment assisters across Indian Country to stay informed on the special protections and benefits that health insurance coverage offers to the safety of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The webinar is intended to help educate enrollment assisters about available health insurance coverage options, benefits and special federal protections exclusively for AI/ANs. The webinar will cover Special Enrollment Period eligibility for AI/ANs who have experienced lifetime events, such as losing a job or having a baby. Webinar participants will hear from BeWellNM and an Indian Health Service Patient Benefits Coordinator about their outreach and education strategies.

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time

Posted July 14, 2020

National Indian Health Board to host All-Tribes Call with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, July 23, 2020

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will host an All-Tribes Call with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time.

The CDC utilizes many approaches to provide COVID-19 support and services. To enhance efforts to support COVID-19 efforts for Indian Country, the CDC, will participate in the upcoming NIHB call. CDC is committed to supporting Indian Country in their efforts to address COVID-19 in their communities. In respecting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, we want to hear from tribal leaders and other tribal stakeholders on how CDC can improve COVID-19 response efforts and assistance opportunities for you and your communities. CDC would like to take this time to hear from tribal leaders and learn and understand the needs of tribes and their challenges in addressing COVID-19.

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2020
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm ET
Register for the Webinar
Dial In: 833-928-2028

Posted July 10, 2020

US Commission on Civil Rights to Host Public Briefing, Public Comment Period on Assessing COVID-19 and the Broken Promises to Native Americans

Tune in on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 10:00 am EDT to hear testimony from Tribal leaders and experts, including National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairman William Smith, on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Tribal communities in relation to health, housing, water and broadband infrastructure and whether the federal government is truly honoring its trust responsibilities and treaty obligations to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The briefing will live-stream on the USCCR YouTube Channel.

In addition to the virtual briefing, the Commission welcomes Tribes and Tribal organizations to submit comments to questions related to COVID-19 and the Commission's report: Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans. Find the questions at: www.usccr.gov/files/2020-07-08-Sunshine-Act-Meeting-Notice.pdf. Submit comments no later than Friday, July 24, 2020 to: [email protected] or OCRE/Public Comments, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425

Posted July 9, 2020

House Appropriations Committee Releases FY 2021 Report with Line Item Totals for IHS Budget

Each IHS Line Item Received At Least Slight Increase Over FY 2020 Levels

As NIHB reported earlier this week , the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bill, proposing to fund Indian Health Service (IHS) at just under $6.5 billion, an increase of $445 million overall above the FY 2020 enacted budget...

Posted July 6, 2020

House Releases FY 2021 Budget for Indian Health Service

House FY 2021 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill proposes funding Indian Health Service at $6.5 billion, with a separate, additional $1.5 billion in emergency funds for IHS Facilities

On Monday, July 6, 2020 the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bill, which has jurisdiction over the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget. Posting of the FY 2021 Interior spending bill follows the rapid release of four other FY 2021 spending bills earlier today and on Sunday July 5, in line with the full Committee's goal of marking up all twelve FY 2021 appropriations packages this week after months of inaction on appropriations due to the COVID-19 pandemic...

Posted July 2, 2020

NIHB Continues to Educate Lawmakers, Requests Support from Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on Coronavirus Tribal Health Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC—July 1, 2020—Today, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Secretary Lisa Elgin from the Manchester-Pt. Arena Band of Pomo Indians in California testified virtually before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) during a hearing to "Evaluate the Response and Mitigation to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Native Communities." Secretary Elgin outlined top Tribal health and public health priorities in response to COVID-19 – some of which fall squarely under the Committee's jurisdiction, and others that rely on individual members to work with their colleagues serving on other committees.

"The National Indian Health Board continues to educate lawmakers on the devasting impacts of COVID-19 in Tribal communities. We urge increases to relief funding to address pressing Tribal health and public health priorities like water and sanitation, telehealth, electronic health records and reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians," said NIHB Secretary Elgin, who also serves as the chairperson for the California Rural Indian Health Board.

Read the full release.

Posted July 1, 2020

NIHB and CMS TTAG Submit comments on Oklahoma's Healthy Adult Opportunity Waiver

The National Indian Health Board and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Tribal Technical Advisory Group (CMS TTAG) recently submitted comments on Oklahoma’s Healthy Adult Opportunity Section 1115 waiver. The waiver, submitted as a part of a broader initiative announced by CMS earlier this year, seeks to change Oklahoma’s Medicaid program into a capped structure. NIHB and TTAG both oppose the approval of the waiver, citing their belief that a capped structure is not in line with the goals of the Medicaid program. You may read our comments for additional information.

Read NIHB's Comment Letter
Read TTAG's Comment Letter

Posted June 23, 2020

NIHB Urges House Veterans Committee to Invest in Health IT, Electronic Health Records to Improve Native Veterans Care Beyond COVID-19 Pandemic

NIHB also shares care coordination challenges between VHA and IHS during the pandemic.

WASHINGTON, DC – June 23, 2020 – Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Vice Chair Chief Bill Smith from the Valdez Tribe of Alaska testified before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Subcommittee on Health and Subcommittee on Technology Modernization on the state of health for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing titled, "VA Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expansion and Impact," provided an opportunity for NIHB to share its priorities for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), including significant investments in Health Information Technology (HIT) and Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Read the full release.
Read the full testimony.

Posted June 12, 2020

National Indian Health Board Urges Congress to Include Tribal Priorities in Next Coronavirus Package, Pass IHS Budget with Meaningful Increases

WASHINGTON, DC—June 12, 2020—This week, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in a series of advocacy-driven engagements with Members of Congress, outlined for lawmakers a robust and comprehensive list of Tribal health and public health priorities that must be included in the next Coronavirus relief package in order for Tribes to address the pandemic and other related critical healthcare issues, including increased funding for telehealth and electronic health records, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement provisions for Indian Health Care Providers and investments in water and sanitation. NIHB is also calling for meaningful increases to the Indian Health Service (IHS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations.

Read the full press release.

Posted June 3, 2020

NIHB Submits Letter to Senate Leadership on Tribal Priorities for next COVID-19 Relief package

On Tuesday June 2, NIHB submitted a letter to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer urging that as the U.S. Senate negotiates the next COVID-19 relief package, that they maintain and build upon each of the critical Tribally-specific funding and legislative provisions included in the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions or “HEROES” Act. Specifically, NIHB requested:

At least $1 billion investment in water and sanitation development in Indian Country
Technical fixes to maximize third party revenue from Medicare and Medicaid
Permanent reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

Read the Full Letter

Posted June 5, 2020

Administration for Children and Families announces Tribal Consultation to take place Wednesday, June 10th and Thursday, June 11th

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced its 2020 Tribal Consultation is taking place virtually on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 1:00pm – 6:00pm (EDT) each day. During the sessions, ACF officials will join Tribal leaders to discuss the following priority issues:

Wednesday, June 10

COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery
Access to early childhood initiatives
Combatting Missing and Murdered Native Americans
Anti-human trafficking efforts
Head Start
Child care
Grant policies for the Administration for Native Americans
View the full Day 1 agenda

Thursday, June 11

Child welfare
Child support enforcement
Tribal temporary assistance to needy families
View the full Day 2 agenda

Meeting Registration

All Tribal leaders, representatives, and other Tribal attendees must register here for June 10 virtual meeting, and register here for the June 11 virtual meeting.

For More Information

If you have any questions about the consultation session, contact the Administration for Native Americans at [email protected] or 1-877-922-9262. Please refer back the ACF Tribal Consultation website for more details as they become available. Testimonies may be submitted to [email protected].

Read the full announcement.

Posted May 29, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extends Deadline for Funding Opportunity until June 3rd

In a communication to Tribal Leaders, Dr. José T. Montero, Director, Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced that the deadline to apply for OT20-2004 has been extended to Wednesday, June 3, 2020 or later by special request. Any eligible entity that needs additional time beyond the extended deadline of June 3, 2020, should email [email protected] by June 2, 2020.

Through recent COVID-19 supplemental appropriations from Congress, CDC will award up to $159 million (total funding) to federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations that contract or compact with the Indian Health Service under Title I and Title V of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act, or consortia of these tribes, or their bona fide agents. This is not a competitive award so all who apply and meet eligibility requirements will be awarded funding. CDC will work Tribes and Tribal Organizations to ensure that they meet all criteria to submit an application successfully. For additional information about the opportunity, please review the frequently asked questions document or email any questions to [email protected].

The National Indian Health Board has been providing technical assistance for this application and it is very important that Tribes and Tribal organizations apply for this funding. Please find materials from NIHB’s webinars and other resources on the Funding Opportunities page of the NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center. For questions, requests for technical assistance, or more information from the National Indian Health Board, contact Robert Foley at [email protected].

Read the Full Announcement

Posted May 27, 2020

National Institutes of Health announces Rapid-Response Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Session to take place Thursday, May 28

The National Institutes of Health is inviting Tribal leaders and community members to participate in the upcoming “NIH Tribal Consultation on COVID-19 Research” on Thursday, May 28, 2020, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight time. This rapid-response Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer session will be held as a web-based meeting. Please see the Dear Tribal Leader Letter announcement.

The Agency has developed a framing paper to explain more about the consultation session, and the research that is the topic of the consultation. View the agenda. They will provide a presentation during the consultation, and then would like to gather guidance from Tribal leaders on questions like:

What concerns need to be addressed to enable the participation of Tribal communities in COVID-19 research?
How should research results be returned to the communities?
What can the NIH do to assist Tribes in applying for funding or developing research partnerships?
What are the priorities of Tribal communities with respect to COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment?

Thursday, May 28, 2020
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern
Live Videocast Link

Posted May 22, 2020

Announcement: Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives to Resume Remote Listening Sessions

The Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives announced four listening sessions to be conducted by teleconference in May and June. In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, previously scheduled in-person sessions have been postponed and will be rescheduled as soon as it is safe to do so.

American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disproportionately high rates of violence. President Trump has called the crisis of missing and murdered Native Americans “sobering and heartbreaking.” The task force, designated Operation Lady Justice, has been empowered to review Indian Country cold cases, to strengthen law enforcement protocols, and work with tribes to improve investigations, information sharing and a more seamless response to missing persons investigations.

Tribal Listening Session Webinars are open to Tribal Leaders and others. Sessions will include a short presentation about the current activities of the task force, followed by a listening session.

Registration information for the following listening sessions is available at https://operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov.

May 27, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tribes in Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)’s Eastern Region (Tribal land located in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and all states to the east coast)

May 29, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tribes in BIA’s Southern Plains, Southwest, Western and Rocky Mountain Regions (Tribal land located in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming)

June 2, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tribes in BIA’s Midwest and Great Plains Regions (Tribal land located in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska)

June 3, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tribes in BIA’s Pacific, Northwestern and Alaska Regions (Tribal land located in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska)

The members of the task force are:

Katharine (Katie) Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, designee for the Attorney General;
Tara Sweeney, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, designee for the Secretary of the Interior;
Terry Wade, Executive Assistant Director, Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch, Federal Bureau of Investigation;
Laura Rogers, Acting Director, Office on Violence Against Women;
Charles (Charlie) Addington, Deputy Bureau Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services;
Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee; and
Jean (Jeannie) Hovland, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services.

Marcia Good, of the Department of Justice, serves as the Executive Director of the Task Force. The Task Force will present a progress report to the President by Nov. 26, 2020, and a final report detailing its activities and accomplishments by Nov. 26, 2021.

Posted May 19, 2020

NIHB to hold Virtual Office Hours for Application for CDC RFA-OT20-2004 Application on Friday, 5/22 and Tuesday, 5/26

Please join the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for virtual office hours for the Center For Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Tribal noncompetitive grant funding opportunity, Supporting Tribal Public Health Capacity in Coronavirus Preparedness and Response (CDC-RFA-OT20-2004). All federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations, consortia of federally recognized Tribes, or their bona fide agents are eligible for this funding and encouraged to join these NIHB webinars.

These sessions will provide an opportunity for applicants to have their questions answered about the application process, funding opportunity, or other related topics. The grant application is due on May 31, 2020. For additional COVID-19 funding opportunities for Tribes from the federal government and technical assistance resources, including the recording, slides and notes from the technical assistance webinar held on May 14th, click here.

Webinar: Virtual Office Hours for CDC RFA-OT20-2004 Application
Date: Friday, May 22, 2020
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Click here to register!
Webinar: Virtual Office Hours for CDC RFA-OT20-2004 Application
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Click here to register!

For additional COVID funding opportunities for Tribes from the federal government and technical assistance resources, click here.

National Indian Health Board Releases Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2022
Key recommendation is to increase the Indian Health Service budget to $12.7 billion.

WASHINGTON, DC—May 5, 2020—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) continues to advocate for increases in the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget as Tribes across the country fight the novel coronavirus with limited funding and resources. On May 3, NIHB submitted testimony to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailing the Tribal health budget priorities for fiscal year (FY) 2022. The testimony urges the Administration to follow the National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup (TBFWG) recommendations that includes funding the IHS at $12.7 billion, strengthening Tribal access to Medicare and Medicaid programs, and expanding grants for Tribal behavioral health.

Read the full press release: https://conta.cc/3b2pK7q
Access the full FY 2022 Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup Recommendations

Posted May 4, 2020

NIHB Sends Letter to President Trump Requesting a Waiver of Cost-Share Requirements for Tribal Public Assistance

On April 30, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent a letter to President Trump requesting that he use his power under the Stafford Act to waive the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 25% cost-sharing requirement for Tribes to receive public assistance funding for COVID-19. With many Tribes having to close enterprises and other businesses, Tribes are not in the position to cover disaster-related expenses. NIHB is requesting that the 25% of non-federal cost share be covered by the federal government, in order to adequately help Tribal governments to combat the pandemic.

Read the full letter here

Posted May 1, 2020

NIHB Submits Letter to President Trump and HHS Secretary Alex Azar

On Thursday, April 30, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to President Trump and US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar urging the inclusion of recently confirmed Indian Health Service Director RADM Michael Weahkee on the White House’s COVID-19 Task Force. Given the Trust Responsibility and the unique relationship between Tribes and the federal government, ensuring that the health needs of American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are met during the COVID-19 emergency is of paramount importance. We feel that the inclusion of the IHS Director on the Task Force would ensure that the needs of AI/ANs and the IHS, Tribal, and Urban health systems are represented in discussions about how to address the crisis.

Read the letter here.

Posted April 27, 2020

NIHB Announces Tribal Awards for Climate and Health Communication
A Climate Ready Tribes Project

WASHINGTON, DC--The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is continuing its work to support Tribes in their efforts to combat the ill effects of the changing environment and climate. Specifically, NIHB is mobilizing Tribal communities to address the health consequences of climate change through its Climate Ready Tribes (CRT) initiative, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The overall goal of this work is to build Tribal capacity related to Tribal climate health - by increasing Tribes' knowledge and awareness of climate change, by increasing Tribes' ability to recognize threats, and by providing support for Tribes to take action...Learn More

Posted April 22, 2020

Senate Confirms Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee as Director of the Indian Health Service

Excerpt: WASHINGTON, DC—April 22, 2020—The National Indian Health Board extends congratulations to Rear Admiral (Rear Adm.) Michael Weahkee who was confirmed on April 21, 2020 by the U.S. Senate as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) for a four-year term. In this capacity, Rear Adm. Weahkee will continue the responsibility for administering health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives nationwide in IHS, Tribal and urban (ITU) health settings. Director Weahkee has served as the interim head of the agency for the past three years and has proven to be an effective leader of IHS through consistent, responsive and collaborative management in times of grave challenges and limited resources.

Read full release

Posted April 13, 2020

NIHB, Native Organizations Request Over $8 billion for the Indian Health System Ahead of Fourth Congressional COVID-19 Funding Package

Request includes funding for hospitals, equipment and specialty care.

WASHINGTON, DC—April 10, 2020—In active nationally coordinated effort to ensure Tribes are meaningfully included in COVID-19 relief funding, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) along with a coalition of 10 national and regional Tribal organizations sent a letter outlining Tribal health care and public health priorities to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy late Wednesday night. The letter includes a robust and comprehensive list of Tribal priorities, including over $8 billion in funding for the Indian health system, in addition to multiple legislative priorities such as maximizing third-party health care revenue streams and ensuring Indian Country has direct access to the Strategic National Stockpile...

Posted April 6, 2020

National Indian Health Board Launches COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center Website

Federal agency guidance, fact sheets and upcoming events available at www.nihb.org/COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC—April 1, 2020— The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is pleased to launch its COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center website with tribally-specific Coronavirus-related developments, tools and information for Tribes. The website has COVID-19 community health and advocacy tools, fact sheets and information about congressional developments, federal agency and Tribal response plans. Tribal leaders, tribal health workers and administrators, tribal community members and advocates for tribal health policy are encouraged to visit the site and use and share the resources with their respective communities and networks.

Read the Full Press Release

Posted April 2, 2020

NIHB releases Legislative and Policy Agenda for 2020

Read the Agenda

Posted April 1, 2020

Upcoming Calls and Webinars

IHS Tribal Consultation – CARES Act COVID-19 Funding
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (Eastern)
Guidance for IHS Behavioral Health Programs Wanting to Transition to Tele-Based Services
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm (Eastern)
IHS COVID-19 TeleECHO Session
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020,
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Indian Country COVID-19 Update - Tribal Leader Q&A
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM (EST)

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL THESE EVENTS

Posted: March 27, 2020

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will be holding an All Tribes Tribal Caucus by webinar
Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will be holding an All Tribes Tribal Caucus by webinar Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern time to gather input and recommendations from Tribal leaders about how Tribally-specific COVID-19 response funds for healthcare and public health should be disseminated. This Tribal Caucus will help us gain Tribal Leader input, and build consensus in Indian Country, on Tribal recommendations for funding distributions from the 3rd legislative package responding to the COVID 19 pandemic.

That package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was passed by Congress on Friday, March 27, is on its way to the President for signature. It contains Tribal set aside funding from several U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) operating divisions. These federal agencies include:

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (minimum $125 million set aside for Tribes),
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (minimum $15 million set aside for Tribes), and the
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (minimum $15 million set aside for Tribes).

The call is open to Tribal Leaders, advocates, health directors and other Tribal representatives. We will discuss our joint strategy moving forward, and will also leave ample time for questions. This call is not for the press or for federal agency staff.

The public call in information is as follows:
866-506-4211
Code 64211
Webinar (limited to 600 people, audio can be joined via computer): https://live.conferencegroup.com/live/[email protected]/tb0r1jk

NIHB All Tribes Tribal Caucus: COVID-19 Phase 3 Legislation
March 30, 2020
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Eastern
REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

**Please make sure you have downloaded the most recent version of Zoom ahead of the meeting. When you join the webinar you will prompted to join the audio by computer or phone

Posted: March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Response: An Update from the At-Risk Task Force

Join the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors for a webinar to get the latest on the Coronavirus response and learn how CDC is prioritizing at-risk populations in its activities.
Register here.
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Time: 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Posted: March 24, 2020

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA): COVID-19 Update: Optimization Strategies for Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Join the COCA COVID-19 call to hear from CDC officials as they provide a COVID-19 update and discuss strategies for healthcare facilities to optimize personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies such as eye protection, isolation gowns, facemasks, and N95 respirators. Read more

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Webinar Link:

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1605586706external icon
Dial-in: 669-254-5252 or 646-828-7666

Webinar ID: 160 558 6706

Posted: March 24, 2020

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA): Underlying Medical Conditions and People at Higher Risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Join the COCA COVID-19 call to get an update from CDC officials on people who are higher risk for COVID-19 complications because of their age or underlying medical conditions, particularly those that are not well-controlled. Read more.
Date: Friday, March 27, 2020
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
*Call-in information forthcoming from the agency.

Posted: March 11, 2020

National Indian Health Board Postpones Tribal Public Health Summit Due to COVID-19 Concerns

Due to growing concerns around the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Board of Directors and CEO of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) announce that the 2020 National Tribal Public Health Summit, currently scheduled to take place March 17-20, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska, is being postponed to a later time during 2020. At the heart of NIHB’s work is our commitment to improving the health care and public health systems of all federally recognized Tribes. This sacred charge guides our decisions, including the decision to postpone the Tribal Public Health Summit to a date (to be determined) later this year.

NIHB, as a Tribal health organization, believes that we have a commitment to safeguard the health of all Tribal members, and that postponing the Summit to a date later in the year, could help to keep our Peoples healthy. This decision also recognizes that Tribal public health staff and Tribal leaders are committed to being available within their own communities where they may be needed to address this outbreak locally.

In addition, Tribal communities are the most vulnerable and least resourced to address a public health outbreak such as the COVID-19 virus. Tribal communities are disproportionately impacted by health conditions that increase the risk of a more serious COVID-19-related illness. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, these conditions include (but are not limited to) heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Among our Peoples who are 8 years of age and over, rates of coronary heart disease are 1.5 times the rate for Whites, while rates of diabetes among our Peoples are nearly three times the general population. Studies have shown that American Indians and Alaska Natives are also at increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections, and in certain regions of the country are twice as likely as the general population to become infected and hospitalized with pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza. These vulnerability factors were key in informing our decision to postpone the NIHB National Tribal Public Health Summit.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this change may cause and we humbly ask you for your forbearance. We also sincerely hope that you will plan on joining NIHB at the Public Health Summit, later this year. In the next hours and days, NIHB will be working to reach out to our attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and partners. Your support has been invaluable and we are grateful. We hope you will continue to stand with NIHB and Indian Country during this time.

In addition to this outreach, NIHB also will refocus its work on ensuring Tribal Communities and citizens are informed about COVID-19 and its impacts in Indian Country. We also will continue our advocacy efforts to bring resources to address COVID-19 in Tribal Communities, respecting Tribal sovereignty.

NIHB will be sending out more updates regarding the National Tribal Public Health Summit, including what to expect if you are currently registered as an attendee, exhibitor, vendor, or are a sponsor. For up to date information on the Summit and COVID-19, please see NIHB’s website, www.nihb.org.

View Notice

Posted: March 9, 2020

NIHB Sends Letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar Outlining the Tribal Position in Distribution of the $40 million in Set-Aside Funds for COVID-19 Response under H.R. 6074

Read the Letter

Posted: February 10, 2020

President Releases FY 2021 Budget Request

Includes some increases to IHS line items; major cuts to IHS also proposed

Today, the Trump Administration released the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Budget Request. The release of the President's Budget officially kicks off the FY 2021 appropriations cycle, which continues in earnest tomorrow with the American Indian and Alaska Native Public Witness Hearings on the FY 2021 budget before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. As NIHB reported last week, Chairwoman and Great Plains Area Representative, Victoria Kitcheyan, will be testifying on behalf of NIHB...

2019

Posted: December 19, 2019

Congress Releases Final, Bicameral FY 2020 Spending Package

On Monday, December 16, 2019, the House and Senate released the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations package for all twelve discretionary appropriations bills. The roughly $1.3 trillion spending deal provides $738 billion in defense funding and $632 billion for all non-defense accounts for FY 2020. For the Interior budget, which funds the Indian Health Service (IHS), Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other agencies, Congress allocated $35.989 billion overall; for the Labor, Health and Human Services (Labor-HHS) budget, which funds agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Congress allocated $184.9 billion overall...

Posted: December 19, 2019

IHCIA Remains in Place as Fifth Circuit Court Remands Questions Around ACA Constitutionality

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled that the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate is unconstitutional and remanded to the District Court the question as to whether or not the remaining portions of the law are constitutional. The Court found that since the failure to comply with the individual mandate no longer generates revenue, it is no longer constitutional. The Supreme Court had previously held that individual mandate was constitutional under Congress’s tax and spend authority because the penalty for failing to comply was a tax that generated revenue for the federal government.

The ACA included the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and other Indian-specific provisions. NIHB and Tribal partners across Indian Country filed an amicus brief in this case to convey the fact that the IHCIA and Indian specific provisions of the ACA served a distinct purpose from the rest of the legislation and should not be included in any striking down of the entire law. NIHB has argued that since these provisions exist to fulfill the federal government's constitutional obligations to provide health services to Tribal Nations and American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples, they are severable from the rest of the ACA.

The fate of Tribal specific provisions in the law were not addressed in the majority opinion. It was however mentioned in the minority opinion which used the IHCIA as an example of a provision that exists independent of the individual mandate. Both the ACA and the permanent reauthorization of IHCIA made significant changes to the entire Indian health system, and its preservation has been a top priority for many Tribal Nations as well as NIHB.

Posted: December 18, 2019

Spending Deal for Fiscal Year 2020 Slated for Congressional Votes This Week

This week, Congress announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The text of the agreement was made available on Monday. The House is scheduled to vote today on the agreement's two legislative packages, and the Senate is expected to follow suit before the current Continuing Resolution expires on Friday, December 20.

The FY 2020 agreement includes $6.04 billion for the Indian Health Service, a four percent increase from the $5.80 billion appropriated to the agency in 2019.

The spending package also includes a short-term extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) for a period of 5 months, through May 22, 2020. NIHB has been heavily advocating for a long-term 5 year reauthorization of SDPI before the program expires this Friday, December 20; however, with negotiations ongoing regarding the legislative vehicle for long-term reauthorization of SDPI, another short-term extension was necessary to avoid program expiration. NIHB continues to stress to lawmakers the undue challenges and problems with short-term extensions, and will continue to strongly advocate for long-term reauthorization of SDPI.

For more information on how the spending agreement impacts the Indian health system, click here.

Posted: December 12, 2019

The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) releases two reports in partnership with Indian Health Service and the Office of the National Coordinator with goals to assess the current state of health IT at IHS, present electronic health record modernization options, and establish a strategic roadmap.

Strategic Options for the Modernization of the Indian Health Service Health Information Technology:

Posted: December 11, 2019

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Holds Hearing to Consider Nomination of Rear Admiral Weahkee as the Next Director of Indian Health Service

Following hearing, Indian Affairs Committee must vote on whether to report Weahkee's nomination favorably to full Senate

WASHINGTON, DC—December 11, 2019— Today, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) held a hearing to confirm Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael D. Weahkee to serve as the next Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). As NIHB previously reported, RADM Weahkee was formally nominated by President Trump to serve as the next IHS Director on October 22. Should Weahkee be confirmed, it will be the first time IHS will have a Senate-confirmed Director since 2015...

Posted: December 10, 2019

NIHB joined by 19 National Organizations in Letter to House and Senate Leadership Regarding Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and other Health Extenders

Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), joined by 19 national organizations including the National Congress of American Indians and the National Council of Urban Indian Health, submitted a letter to House and Senate leadership demanding immediate action on long-term reauthorization of expiring health extenders, including the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). Specifically, the letter urges congressional leadership to prioritize long-term reauthorization of the following five programs, all of which expire on December 20, 2019:

Special Diabetes Program and Special Diabetes Program for Indians
Community Health Center Fund
National Health Service Corps
Teaching Medical Centers Graduate Education

Posted: December 10, 2019

Key Congressional Leaders Announce Agreement on Health Care Legislation Including Five Years of SDPI Funding

On Sunday, December 8, a group of key members of Congress announced a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on legislation geared at lowering health costs. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR) announced the agreement with Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN). The legislative package targets surprise medical bills and addresses rising prescription drug costs. It also increases the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21.

Posted: December 10, 2019

NIHB Submits Letter to Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in Support of Weahkee Nomination: Confirmation Hearing

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs as it considers the nomination of RADM Michael Weahkee to be Director of the Indian Health Service.

RADM Weahkee is currently the Principal Deputy Director of the agency. He is an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe. Weahkee began his health career as a public health specialist in the United States Air Force and has received two Masters degrees from Arizona State University; a Master of Health Services Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

Posted: December 6, 2019

NIHB Submits Letter Supporting Rear Admiral Weahkee's Nomination to be Director of Indian Health Service

Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) supporting President Trump's nomination of Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael D. Weahkee to be the next Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). President Trump formally nominated Weahkee in a press release on October 22, 2019. NIHB's Board of Directors voted to support RADM Weahkee's nomination during their November 2019 convening.

RADM Weahkee's confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 2:30 PM Eastern . The confirmation hearing will be broadcast live on the SCIA website, available here . If confirmed, RADM Weahkee would serve a four-year term as Director.

Posted: December 3, 2019

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Sets December 11 Date for Weahkee Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a confirmation hearing on December 11 for RADM Michael Weahkee, who was nominated by the White House as the Indian Health Service (IHS) Director. RADM Weahkee is currently the Principal Deputy Director of the agency.

IHS has not had a permanent Director--a post that must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate--since 2015. If confirmed, RADM Weahkee would serve a four-year term at the head of IHS. The National Indian Health Board supports RADM Weahkee's nomination.

Click here to watch the confirmation hearing on December 11 at 2:30 PM Eastern.

Posted: December 3, 2019

Trump Signs Second Continuing Resolution, Government Funded through December 20

On November 21, President Trump signed the second short term Continuing Resolution (CR) of Fiscal Year 2020, funding the federal government through December 20. Included in the CR is short term reauthorization for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and other public health extenders. These programs are now also slated to expire on December 20 unless Congress enacts long term renewal.

Congress is continuing to finish work on the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations, and lawmakers have finally agreed on overall spending numbers for each of the twelve appropriations bills, which had been holding up further appropriations negotiations. While the final spending numbers have not been made public, NIHB will provide updates on IHS appropriations as information becomes available.

For more information on the CR, click here.

Posted: December 3, 2019

Native Women's Maternal Health Resolution Introduced in Congress by Rep. Haaland

On November 26, Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), one of two American Indian/Alaska Native women serving in the House of Representatives, introduced H. Res. 735 regarding maternal health in Indian Country.

This resolution recognizes the maternal health crisis among indigenous peoples throughout the United States and the importance of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, and calls for increased federal funding for maternal health and related services for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations, and for Native Hawaiian organizations.

Posted: December 3, 2019

Trump Signs Executive Order on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

President Trump signed an Executive Order on November 26, 2019, to create a Task Force to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. The interagency Task Force will be co-chaired by U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. It will engage with Tribal governments, develop protocols for new unsolved cases and establish a team to review cold cases. The Task Force must submit to the President within one year a summary of accomplishments, and terminate within two years.

Posted: November 19, 2019

NIHB Calls on the Federal Government to Honor Treaties, Trust Responsibility in Testimony to Congress on U.S. Civil Rights Commission Broken Promises Report

NIHB recommends investments in Tribal health systems, infrastructure and protection of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

WASHINGTON, DC—November 19, 2019—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) CEO Stacy A. Bohlen testified today before the House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States (SCIP) on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ report, Reviewing the Broken Promises Report: Examining the Chronic Federal Funding Shortfalls in Indian Country . The report effectively contextualizes the federal government’s funding and resource shortfalls and ongoing failure to live up to its Treaty and Trust obligations on federal Indian policy, including adequate funding and access to quality health care to American Indians and Alaska Native Peoples. The report offers actionable recommendations to the President, Congress and numerous federal agencies...

Posted: November 5, 2019

Senate Passes Interior Appropriations Bill for FY 2020

On Thursday, October 31, by a final vote of 84-9, the Senate passed its first Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations package "minibus". The four spending bills included in that minibus are Interior, Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD.

As NIHB has reported previously, the Senate appropriations package provides a lower overall funding level for the Indian Health Service (IHS) compared to the House mark. The Senate mark funds IHS at roughly $6 billion in FY 2020, compared to $6.3 billion under the House mark...

Posted: November 5, 2019

Rep. Gallego Introduces Legislation to Exempt AI/AN Veterans from VA Co-pays

Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has introduced H.R. 4908 to exempt American Indian/Alaska Native veterans from having to pay co-pays when they access services at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Parity in Access to Care Today (PACT Act) would fulfill the dual responsibility to provide health care services to AI/AN veterans and allow more AI/AN veterans to access VHA services.

The National Indian Health Board endorsed the legislation upon its introduction.

The bill has been referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. For more information about the legislation, click here.

Posted: October 30, 2019

NIHB Testifies before House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee Hearing

On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health regarding health care needs for the nearly 146,000 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans in the country. Testifying on behalf of NIHB was Andrew Joseph Jr., Immediate Past Board Member-at-Large and Portland Area Representative.

The hearing represents the first time in decades that Congress has held a hearing specifically to examine issues related to health care access for AI/AN Veteran issues within both the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS)...

Posted: October 29, 2019

President Trump to Nominate RADM Weahkee as Indian Health Service Director

On Tuesday, October 22, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael D. Weahkee, to serve as Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The IHS, the federal agency primarily responsible for providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) has been led by a series of temporary directors since 2015. RADM Weahkee has served as Acting Director of the IHS since July of 2017.

As indicated in the White House's announcement, RADM Weahkee is a member of the Zuni Tribe, and currently serves as the IHS Principal Deputy Director. In this capacity, he is responsible for administering health care to AI/ANs nationwide, in IHS/Tribal/and Urban (ITU) settings.

RADM Weahkee began his health career as a public health specialist in the United States Air Force and has received two Masters degrees from Arizona State University; a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Posted: October 29, 2019

IHS Issues Dear Tribal Leader Letter Initiating Tribal Consultation for SDPI

On October 2, 2019, the Indian Health Service (IHS) initiated Tribal Consultation on the distribution of funding for the agency's Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) in fiscal year 2021. SDPI has empowered Tribes for 22 years, and has been largely successful at helping Tribal communities manage the disease and reduce the prevalence of negative health outcomes that stem from diabetes. IHS asked for feedback on specific questions regarding the funding formula for SDPI, and wants Tribes to also consider whether taking over the program via a 638 compact or contract is possible. The deadline to submit comments is December 2, 2019. Comments can be emailed to [email protected].

Posted: October 22, 2019

NIHB Sends Letters to Congress on FY 2020 IHS Appropriations and Good Health & Wellness

Last week, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) sent two letters to Congress on funding for Indian health programs.

On October 15, NIHB wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) to prioritize funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), which Congress has continually underfunded. In its draft appropriations legislation, the House generally maintained higher funding levels than the Senate did for IHS, and NIHB's letter to Speaker Pelosi and Chairwoman Lowey call for the House to maintain those higher levels...

Posted: October 15, 2019

President Signs Executive Order to Reinstitute Administrative PAYGO

On October 10, 2019, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO), placing renewed emphasis on a 2005 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy, referred to as "Administrative-pay-as-you go". This policy is an effort to reach budget neutrality: if the agency's administrator puts forth an action proposal to increase the agency's mandatory spending, the administrator must then come up with a proposal to cut discretionary spending by the same amount.

The EO states that the director of OMB will issue instructions to agency leaders regarding implementation within 90 days. There are several ways in which this order can be waived, including if the agency's action delivers essential services to the public (for example, in the case of a natural disaster).

Earlier last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the federal deficit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 reached $984 billion, the fourth year in a row that the deficit has increased.

To read the full EO, click here.

Posted: October 11, 2019

Congress Needs to Hear from Tribes on FY 2020 Appropriations

Negotiations around funding levels for federal agencies and departments are continuing in Congress. The House and Senate must agree on funding levels for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 by November 21. If that does not happen, Congress would have to enact another Continuing Resolution to fund the government at current levels or the government would shut down. It is crucial that Tribes engage with Congress to ensure adequate funding for Tribal health!

Posted: October 8, 2019

Congressman Mullin Requests Stories on Experiences with IHS

The Office of Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) is collecting stories, anecdotes, and information on Tribal member's experiences with the Indian Health Service (IHS). The information will be used to inform congressional efforts on Tribal health priorities within Rep. Mullin's office. Congressman Mullin is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and co-chair of the bipartisan IHS Task Force, which was created to examine legislative solutions towards improving the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of health services within the Indian health system.

Tribal members and IHS users are welcome to submit stories on a variety of subjects related to the IHS experience including issues surrounding the IHS budget, workforce, health information technology (IT), and oversight of IHS.

For more information, or to submit a story, please contact Taylor Hittle, Legislative Director for Rep. Mullin, at [email protected].

Posted: October 2, 2019

SDPI Renewed Through November 21, 2019

On Friday, September 27, 2019, President Trump signed a short term funding bill--known as a Continuing Resolution (CR)--to keep the government operating while Congress continues appropriations work for Fiscal Year 2020. Included in this CR was a short term renewal for several public health programs, including the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI).

Congress now has until November 21, 2019 to enact long term renewal for SDPI. The National Indian Health Board is advocating for long term renewal of the program, and recently coordinated a postcard mailing campaign to Congress at our 2019 National Tribal Health Conference.

Currently, the Senate's proposed legislation renews SDPI for five years at $150 million, the same level of funding as every year since 2004. The House's proposed legislation renews the program at $150 million for four years.

For more information on the positive public health outcomes SDPI has supported since its creation in 1997, click here.

Posted: October 2, 2019

Cramer, Sinema Introduce Nursing Home Care for Native American Veterans Act

Last week, Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced legislation to construct veteran nursing homes in Tribal communities.

S. 2558 would allow federal grants to pay for veteran nursing home construction on Tribal lands.

In its statement of support, the National Indian Health Board said, "The federal government has a dual responsibility to Native Veterans - one in recognition of their service to the country, and the other because of their political status as American Indians and Alaska Natives. The National Indian Health Board supports the Nursing Home Care for Native American Veterans Act, as it would significantly improve access to nursing homes for Native Veterans living on Tribal lands and reservations. In addition, it furthers the Trust responsibility by ensuring that Tribes are being reimbursed by the Veterans Administration for constructing these vital centers. NIHB is committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to advance this important bill."

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Posted: October 1, 2019

National Indian Health Board Welcomes National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity to National Partnership for Dental Therapy

Coalition of dentists joins partnership dedicated to elevating visibility and broad, multi-sectorial support for dental therapy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the National Indian Health Board celebrates the launch of The National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity (DHE). The coalition is the third co-chair of the National Partnership for Dental Therapy. Together with DHE and Community Catalyst, the National Indian Health Board stands as a leader in the effort to expand dental therapy nationwide.

Dental therapists, focused providers who specialize in routine preventative and basic restorative care, have operated successfully in Alaska Native communities for 15 years. As more Tribes and states learn about dental therapy's strong record of success in Tribal communities in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, support continues to grow...

Posted: September 27, 2019

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes FY 2020 Interior Bill, Includes Funding Increases for Indian Health Service

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes FY 2020 Interior Bill, Funds Indian Health Service at $6.04 billion overall

On Thursday, September 26, 2019, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the fiscal year (FY) 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill by a vote of 31-0. The Interior bill, which funds the Indian Health Service (IHS) among other agencies, had easily passed out of subcommittee earlier in the week by a voice vote. The Interior package now heads to the Senate floor. In total, the Senate has now cleared ten out of twelve appropriations packages out of Committee. The two bills that have yet to be rescheduled for markups are the Labor-Health and Human Services bill and the Military Construction-Veterans Administration bill...

Posted: September 27, 2019

National Indian Health Board Honors Heroes in Health at Annual Awards Gala

WASHINGTON, DC—September 26, 2019—At its annual National Tribal Health Conference in Temecula, California, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recognized a distinguished group of Tribal health leaders, providers and advocates during its annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala on September 18. At the gala, themed “Circles of Service,” NIHB recognized 17 individuals from across Indian Country in the categories of Area and Regional Impact, National Impact, Youth Leadership and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Jake Whitecrow Award.

"The National Indian Health Board honored many of our sisters and brothers who have demonstrated outstanding service in the quest to improve our people’s health. We hope their example inspires others in their own journey through the circle of service,” said NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen. “NIHB is pleased to honor good work being done all around Indian Country – a true circle of service. Through tireless work, often in the most remote and challenging areas of Indian Country, and with limited resources – those who were recognized are among the best of us. Their work protects and improves health and has significant influence in reducing health disparities in all regions of Indian Country. We cannot thank you all enough for the work you are doing to improve the lives of our people."...

Posted: September 26, 2019

NIHB Testifies before Congress in Support of Advance Appropriations for Indian Programs

Chairwoman Kitcheyan Urges Congress to Support H.R. 1128 & H.R. 1135

Washington, DC.--On Wednesday September 25, 2019, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples in support of advance appropriations for Indian programs. Securing advance appropriations has been a long-standing priority for Tribes and the National Indian Health Board to ensure better continuity and stability of health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

In her testimony, Chairwoman Kitcheyan reminded Congress of the federal government’s treaty and trust obligations to Tribes, which includes the provision of comprehensive health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Chair Kitcheyan also highlighted the negative impacts of this year's 35-day government shutdown on the Indian health system. The Indian Health Service (IHS) was the only federal health care entity subject to the shutdown. By contrast, the Veterans Health Administration was able to continue its services uninterrupted during the shutdown because Congress enacted advance appropriations for that agency a decade ago...

Posted: September 26, 2019

House Includes Short Term SDPI Renewal in CR

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the House of Representatives passed a short term funding bill, also known as a Continuing Resolution (CR). The CR would fund the government at current levels until November 21, buying additional time for congressional appropriators to finish their work on Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations. Included in the CR is short term renewal for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and other public health extenders. This short term renewal would ensure funding for the programs remains available through November 21, 2019.

The Senate is expected to approve the CR, which has support from the White House, later this week. Congress would then have until November 21, 2019 to enact long term renewal for SDPI.

For more information on the positive public health outcomes SDPI has supported since its creation in 1997, click here.

Posted: September 19, 2019

NIHB Conference Attendees Learn About Medicaid Opportunities, Threats to Access and Delivery of Services

TEMECULA, Calif.—September 19, 2019—On Wednesday during the second plenary session of the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) annual National Tribal Health Conference, attendees heard from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about three main areas of the agency’s work with tribes – enrolling more American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in Medicaid, educating tribal citizens about coverage benefits and increasing third-party revenue for the Indian health system through CMS reimbursements.

"Many of our tribal citizens are eligible to receive health care through the Medicaid system, and the tribes' partnership with CMS is critical as the agency contributes significantly to the delivery of health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives," said NIHB Board Chair and Great Plains Area Representative Victoria Kitcheyan.

Posted: September 18, 2019

National Indian Health Board Opens National Tribal Health Conference with Discussions on Sovereignty, Responses to Broken Promises Report

TEMECULA, Calif.—September 18, 2019—Yesterday nearly 600 Tribal health providers, experts and advocates gathered for the opening session of the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) annual National Tribal Health Conference to hear how Tribal leaders are strengthening sovereignty while partnering with federal agencies to ensure trust obligations are upheld.

A Tribal leader panel discussion focused on tribal sovereignty in relation to health equity. Panelists included NIHB Chair and Great Plains Area representative, Victoria Kitcheyan; National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President and Chickasaw Nation Lt. Governor, Jefferson Keel; St. Regis Mohawk Nation Tribal Chief, Beverly Cook; and Lummi Nation Tribal Councilmember, Nick Lewis. NIHB Chair Kitcheyan said that sovereignty means "we are in charge of the destiny of our people, and we cannot let the federal government dictate what we do on our lands. I want to remind people that our Tribal nations existed before their role and will live on past their role. So, we must remind them of our sovereignty."

Posted: September 17, 2019

Tribal Leaders, Health Advocates Press Federal Agencies for More Tribal Involvement in Policymaking, Regulations

TEMCULA, Calif.—September 17, 2019—During Monday’s pre-conference day, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) hosted four federal agency tribal consultation or listening sessions at its National Tribal Health Conference where tribal leaders and health advocates put the conference theme in motion – "Health = Sovereignty" – by reaffirming that the government is obligated to uphold its trust responsibility and that Tribes must be involved in every step of the policymaking process.

"Tribes are sovereign nations, and it is imperative that we continue to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with federal agencies to ensure that our Tribal voices are heard and realized through policies and regulations that makes sense and actually work for our Tribal communities," said NIHB Chairperson and Great Plains Area Representative Victoria Kitcheyan. "Tribes have a collective need for quality health care, but the access and delivery may be different. It's important for federal agencies to be reminded that not all Tribes are the same and there is not one cookie-cutter approach."

Posted: September 16, 2019

National Indian Health Board, Indian Health Service Meet to Discuss Funding for Tribal Health Programs, Services

TEMECULA, Calif.—September 16, 2019—Yesterday, during a quarterly board meeting and in advance of the National Indian Health Board's (NIHB) National Tribal Health Conference, the NIHB Board of Directors met with the Indian Health Service (IHS) leadership to discuss funding for programs. The Board also voted on a new executive committee member and resolutions to support its work in Washington, DC and throughout Indian Country.

IHS Principal Deputy Director RADM Weahkee was joined by Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs P. Ben Smith and Director of the Office of Management Services Athena Elliot. They spoke about efforts to work with NIHB to continue its current cooperative agreements that fund a portion of the organization’s advocacy and technical assistance work with tribes, like the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee and outreach and education on the Affordable Care Act.

Posted: August 21, 2019

CMS Rejects Partial Medicaid Expansion in Utah's 1115 Demonstration

On Friday, August 16, 2019, CMS rejected an element of Utah's 1115 Demonstration that would have imposed enrollment caps on Medicaid in the state. In its letter, CMS stated that it would "only approv[e] section 1115 demonstrations under which the section 1905(y)(1) match rate is provided if the demonstration covers the entire adult expansion group." This means that the agency will not provide enhanced FMAP to Utah because enrollment caps preclude the expansion of Medicaid. Earlier this year, Utah indicated that if CMS would not approve per capita caps by January 2020, then the state would implement a "fall-back" plan, expanding Medicaid up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).

Other components to Utah's 1115 Demonstration are still under CMS review. This would include subjecting all Medicaid recipients to mandatory enrollment into managed care and instituting work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries. However, there is an exemption from Medicaid work requirements for members of federally recognized Tribes.

NIHB is monitoring this issue closely and will provide updates as they are available.

Posted: August 13, 2019

Senators Request Feedback from Tribes and Native Hawaiians on Impacts of Climate Change

In July, a group of Senators from both the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Senate Special Committee on the Climate Crisis submitted a letter to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian community leaders requesting information on the impacts of climate change on Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. The Senate letter invited responses that outlined potential policy solutions around climate change mitigation and adaptation, including information about how climate change threatens Indigenous and traditional lifestyles and overall well-being.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Fifth Circuit Court Rules in Favor of the Indian Child Welfare Act

In Victory for Tribes, Circuit Court Overturns Lower Court Ruling

TODAY, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its decision in Brackeen v. Bernhard , where it upheld the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), reversing the decision of the Northern District of Texas. In its decision ( available here ), the Circuit Court found ICWA to be constitutional because it is based on a political classification that is rationally related to the fulfillment of Congress’ unique obligation toward Indians.

"The National Indian Health Board is very pleased that the Fifth Circuit Court ruled in favor of the Indian Child Welfare Act," said NIHB Chairperson Victoria Kitcheyan. "The Court's ruling affirms the federal government's unique political relationship with Tribes. We hope that this groundbreaking law will continue to help keep Indian families whole."

Earlier this year, NIHB, along with 325 Tribal nations and 57 Tribal organizations signed on to an amicus brief supporting ICWA. This followed passage of a resolution by the NIHB Board of Directors in strong support of ICWA in 2018.

Posted: August 6, 2019

IHS Extends Deadline for Opioid Consultation to September 3, 2019

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has extended its Opioid Grants Program Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer period until Tuesday, September 3, 2019. IHS is seeking Tribal guidance as it develops an Opioid Grant Program with $10 million dollar increase in funding in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program budget line to better combat the opioid epidemic. The IHS is specifically seeking your comments on the following questions about the new Special Behavioral Health Pilot Program...

August 2, 2019

Congress Passes Two-Year Budget Deal - President Signs Budget Deal into Law

On Thursday, August 1, 2019, by a final vote of 67-28 with five Senators not voting, the U.S. Senate passed a sweeping two-year budget deal that staves off the impending debt limit, increases both defense and non-defense spending caps for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and FY 2021, and permanently ends discretionary sequestration. The House of Representatives had passed the deal last Thursday, July 25, by a final vote of 284-149, before that chamber departed for August recess. On Friday August 2, 2019, President Trump signed the two-year budget deal into law.

To read NIHB's more detailed analysis of the Budget Deal, click here.

Posted: July 30, 2019

House Committee Advances SDPI Renewal at Flat Funding

On July 17, 2019, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced legislation to renew the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). SDPI is a vital program that gives Tribes the tools they need to combat diabetes in their communities, through both prevention and treatment. SDPI will expire on September 30, 2019 unless Congress renews it...

Posted: July 29, 2019

NIHB Submits Testimony Defending IHCIA in Response to a Hearing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee Regarding the ACA Lawsuit

On July 10, 2019, the House Oversight and Reform Committee held a hearing to discuss the ongoing lawsuit in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The hearing focused on the May, 2019 decision from the Trump Administration reversing its original position defending the ACA to instead concurring with the federal district court ruling that the entirety of the law is unconstitutional and should therefore be struck down.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), along with 483 Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations, filed an amicus brief before the Fifth Circuit conveying to all involved parties that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and Indian-specific provisions enacted in tandem with the ACA serve an entirely distinct purpose from the rest of the legislation, and exist to partially fulfill the federal government's constitutional obligations to provide health services to Tribal Nations and American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples.

NIHB reaffirmed this position in written testimony to the House Oversight and Reform Committee, highlighting the inherent severability of IHCIA and the Indian-specific provisions of the ACA. NIHB continues to be highly engaged in defending IHCIA and ensuring that the significant Indian-provisions are preserved.

To access NIHB’s testimony, click here

Posted: July 24, 2019

2-Year Budget Deal Agreement Reached: House to Vote on Passage Tomorrow

After weeks of negotiations, Congressional leaders and the Trump Administration agreed to a 2-year $1.37 trillion Budget Deal that raises spending caps, increases the debt limit, and permanently ends sequestration for discretionary programs, including for the Indian Health Service (IHS). The agreement was reached in principle with an announcement by the President on Monday, July 22, 2019, with House and Senate leaders now working to build broad support among their members to ensure passage of the deal on the floor...

Posted: July 9, 2019

NIHB Seeking Interviewees for Report on Health IT Modernization in Indian Country

NIHB is undertaking an exciting partnership with the Regenstrief Institute, a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contractor, to do an assessment of the Health Information Technology (IT) needs of the Indian Health Service (IHS). This work will result in a report that will make recommendations on IHS' Health IT Modernization efforts. NIHB's role is to help Regenstrief gain unique perspectives on the Indian health system from interviews with Tribal Leaders and with patients of IHS and Tribal Health Programs. Information shared through these interviews will result in tools like amalgamated persona narratives and journey maps that will help the Administration and Congress truly understand Health IT needs so that a realistic congressional appropriation can be given to fund it.

NIHB needs your help in identifying patients and Tribal leaders who would be good to interview for this effort. We are looking for a variety of people from all age ranges, health statuses, and communities. Regenstrief is especially interested in interviewing people from the following Areas:

Portland
Billings
Nashville
Navajo

CLICK HERE to schedule an interview.

Please let NIHB's Director of Policy, Devin Delrow ([email protected]), know if you have any questions or would like more information. We only have until the end of July to complete these interviews so that Regenstrief can turn these into helpful tools by the time the report comes out in the fall.

Posted: June 17, 2019

New Behavioral Health Provider Report Available

NIHB, in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, created this administrative tool to assist Tribes in both in making informed staffing decisions and in achieving full reimbursement for Medicaid services delivered. The report examines state Medicaid programs across the country to determine what behavioral health, substance abuse and addiction services are reimbursable. It also identifies which practitioners have been authorized to bill for those services (and what their educational and licensing requirements are). Wherever possible links to web-based Tribal Billing guides or other state resources are included.

The report can be found here.

Posted: June 13, 2019

UPDATE: CHAP Expansion Comments Due July 8, NIHB Comment Now Available

In 2016, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced that it was expanding the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) to Tribes outside of Alaska. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act gave the IHS the authority to expand the program, and based off the success in providing frontline medical, behavioral, and dental health service to Alaska Native communities, IHS elected to do so after Tribal consultation.

In 2018, IHS chartered the Community Health Aide Program Tribal Advisory Group (CHAP TAG) to develop an interim policy on CHAP expansion. That policy would establish the infrastructure for CHAP certification and academic review at the Area level and would be the program's guiding policy document while the agency worked with Tribes on a permanent policy. CHAP TAG has worked with the Indian Health Service for over a year to develop the agency's draft interim policy for national expansion of CHAP.

It is important to note that the draft interim policy for CHAP expansion does not impact the Community Health Representative program in any way. The two programs would remain distinct in the Fiscal Year 2020 House Interior Appropriations bill, which funds IHS. NIHB’s comment is now available here.

Posted: June 4, 2019

2019 National Tribal Health Conference Call for Proposals Now Open!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to announce that the Call for Proposals for the 2019 National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) is now available! This year's conference, scheduled for September 16-20, 2019, will be held at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

Tribal leaders, health directors, policy specialists, advocates, and allies are invited to submit abstracts. NIHB encourages presentations highlighting innovative and Tribally-driven approaches to improving the quality of health systems, strengthening the business of medicine, expanding pathways for successful advocacy efforts, enhancing government to government relationships, and evidenced based, wise, best or promising practices developed in and for Tribal communities.

This year's five conference tracks address a wide breadth of Tribal health priorities. Namely, they are:

Legislation and Advocacy
Federal Relations and Advocacy
Native Health Infrastructure and Quality Improvement
Opioids, Methamphetamines, Substance Use, and Behavioral Health
Emerging Trends in Native Health and Sovereignty

Submissions are due by 11:59 pm ET on July 12, 2019.

To access the Call for Proposals page, click HERE.

Posted: May 28, 2019

SDPI Renewal Bill Introduced in House of Representatives!

H.R. 2680 Renews SDPI for 5 Years at $200 Million per Year This is the First Funding Increase for SDPI in 15 Years!

Call your member of Congress and urge them to support H.R. 2680 (Special Diabetes Program for Indians) and H.R. 2668 (Special Diabetes Program)

Representative Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ) has introduced legislation (H.R. 2680) to renew the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) for 5 years at $200 million per year!

H.R. 2680 reflects two longstanding Tribal goals for the program that NIHB has worked to achieve: long term reauthorization and a funding increase...

Posted: May 28, 2019

House Appropriations Committee Passes FY 2020 Interior Bill, Includes Significant Increases for Indian Health Service

On Wednesday May 22, 2019, on a 30-22 party-line vote, the House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), passed a $37.3 billion Interior-EPA spending package that included top-line and line item increases to the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget. The FY 2020 Interior-EPA bill boosts spending overall by 4%, and increases the IHS budget by $537 million overall, to a total of $6.3 billion...

Posted: May 28, 2019

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) Reintroduce CARE Act to Address Opioid Crisis

Earlier this month, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Elijah Cummings reintroduced the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, which provides $100 billion in federal funding over a ten year period to combat the opioid epidemic, including over $800 million per year in direct funding to Tribal governments and organizations for substance and opioid use disorder prevention and treatment...

Posted: May 16, 2019

First Nations Actor, Physician Gives Keynote Address at the American Indian and Alaska Native National Behavioral Health Conference

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—May 16, 2019—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) continued a week of networking, learning and sharing with its American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Conference taking place May 16-17, 2019. Over 600 hundred tribal health leaders, behavioral health practitioners and community health workers heard from Dr. Evan Adams, Coast Salish actor and Chief Medical Officer of First Nations Health Authority , Canada, about seeing health and healing in two realities – indigenous and western...

Posted: May 16, 2019

Native Youth Health Advocates Contribute to the National Indian Health Board National Tribal Public Health Summit

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—May 16, 2019—A group of three Native youth volunteers acted as reporters and photographers on the ground this week at the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) 10th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit . For two days they interviewed Summit presenters and attendees and learned about Tribal public health programs from across Indian Country...

Posted: May 14, 2019

National Indian Health Board Honors Three Public Health Innovators

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—May 14, 2019—During the 10th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit opening reception, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) presented two individuals – one from Alaska and the other from North Dakota – and one Tribal organization from California with the 2019 Native Public Health Innovation Awards for their effective approaches to and significant impact on American Indian and Alaska Native public health...

Posted: May 13, 2019

National Indian Health Board Opens 10th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit to Over 600 Tribal Health Professionals, Advocates

Messages from national leaders, public health experts to improve health outcomes for Indian Country.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—May 13, 2019—The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) kicked off its 10th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit with messages from national leaders committing to work jointly with tribes and discussions from experts on adverse childhood experiences, HIV and Alzheimer’s in Indian Country. This year’s two-day Summit also features dynamic national speakers, interactive workshops and roundtable discussions, the annual Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) poster session and presentation of the 2019 Native Public Health Innovation Awards...

Posted: May 8, 2019

NIHB Chair Victoria Kitcheyan Elected Chair of HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee

Chairman Chester Antone Stepping Down After Long Career Fighting for Tribal Health

Phoenix, AZ--Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) met for its annual meeting in Indian Country. STAC is an invaluable resource for both HHS and the Tribes, as the Committee works to ensure the Tribal voice is heard at all levels of HHS. The STAC routinely meets with agency officials from across the operational divisions of HHS to exchange views, share information, and provide advice and recommendations to HHS and its divisions. For the past three years, Chester Antone, Councilman from Tohono O'odham Nation, has served in the critical role of Chair of the STAC. Chairman Antone has used this role to fight tirelessly for Indian Country's health and for the federal government to uphold the trust responsibility...

Posted: May 8, 2019

NIHB Board Member Andy Joseph, Jr. Testifies to Congress on the President's 2020 Budget Request for Indian Programs

Mr. Joseph advocated for full funding for IHS, Advance Appropriations, and the protection of the Community Health Representatives Program

Washington, DC.--Today, National Indian Health Board’s Member at Large and Portland Area Representative, Andy Joseph Jr. testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs regarding the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget Request for Indian programs. He testified alongside leadership of the Department of Interior, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the National Congress of American Indians. You can watch a recording of the hearing here...

Posted: May 7, 2019

May 5 Marks National Murdered and Missing American Indians and Alaska Natives Awareness Day

On Friday May 3, 2019, President Trump signed a new proclamation declaring May 5 as a national day of awareness for murdered and missing American Indians and Alaska Natives. The White House proclamation coincided with a similar resolution passed by the United States Senate that declared May 5 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. That resolution, S.Res.144, was introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and agreed to under unanimous consent on Thursday May 2...

Posted: April 30, 2019

Tribal Leaders Consult with HHS Officials on FY 2021 Budget

On April 23-24, Tribal Leaders from across the country met with top officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as the department hosted its annual Tribal Budget Consultation. This consultation provided a forum for Tribes to engage with HHS officials on national Tribal health funding for the Department's Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget request.

The two day consultation included discussions with the Department's leadership, including Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan. Tribal leaders expressed their concerns with the President's FY 2020 budget request, which would cut the HHS budget by 12 percent and cut programs critical to improving health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). They also noted the need for Tribal consultation before decisions impacting AI/ANs are made by agencies within the Department...

Posted: April 30, 2019

House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Releases Draft Legislation for FY 2020

On Monday, April 29, 2019, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee (commonly referred to as Labor-HHS) released its draft legislation appropriating funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The bill funds several key health care and public health agencies working in Indian Country, and its annual release is followed closely by NIHB and the Tribes. It is important to note that the Indian Health Service (IHS) is funded through the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, not Labor-HHS.

The bill, which still must be marked up by the Subcommittee and the full Appropriations Committee, pass the House and Senate, and be signed into law, contains several key provisions for Tribal health. Overall, the spending level is $189.8 billion for FY 2020 ($11.7 billion above FY 2019 level and $47.8 billion above the FY 2020 President's Budget Request). Of particular interest to Tribes, the bill...

Posted: April 30, 2019

Senate Appropriations Subcommittees Release Testimony Instructions

Congress is currently crafting appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year (FY 2020), which begins on October 1, 2019. The Appropriations Committee has 12 subcommittees, each responsible for developing the legislation that will ultimately fund the agencies under its purview. Each committee accepts Outside Witness Testimony so that the public can comment on proposed appropriations levels.

Two of these twelve subcommittees are relevant to Indian health. The Interior Appropriations Subcommittee funds the Indian Health Service (IHS) and many other programs working in Indian Country. Interior Appropriations is accepting Outside Witness Testimony until Friday, May 17. Click here for instructions on how to submit testimony.

Posted: April 16, 2019

GAO Report Calls for VA and IHS to Strengthen Oversight and Coordination of Health Care for Native Veterans

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report with updated information on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) and the Indian Health Service's (IHS) efforts to implement their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve the health status of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans through coordination and resource sharing among VA, IHS, and Tribes.

The GAO report focuses on implementation of the MOU since June 2014, the last time that GAO released a report on the topic. The GAO found that while the MOU had identified goals, there were not any sufficient measures for assessing progress. In some cases, a performance measure was established but lacked a target to measure performance. Overall, the GAO made three recommendations to strengthen the oversight and coordination of healthcare for AI/AN Veterans:

Establish measurable targets for performance measures at the VA;
Establish measurable targets for performance measures at the IHS;
Establish written guidance at the VA for referring AI/AN Veterans to VA facilities for specialty care.

Both agencies have concurred with the reporting and have said they are currently in process of revising the MOU and updating their performance measures.

Click here to read the full GAO Report.

Posted: April 16, 2019

Congress Misses Budget Deadline

The House and Senate have failed to pass a budget resolution by the April 15 deadline, meaning that future spending negotiations will lack an agreed upon outline.

Congress is currently in recess, so members are working in their home states. When Congress returns to Washington on April 29, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader McConnell plan to begin negotiations on a budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2020. These talks will be crucial to developing a spending agreement as Congress works to avoid sequestration.

Congress has successfully averted sequestration, the across the board spending cuts that are automatically triggered if Congress does not appropriate money within its established spending caps, every year since 2013. In 2011, Congress passed the Budget Control Act in an effort to control spending by applying sequestration across every federal department and agency on every fiscal year until 2021 unless Congress agrees to impose spending caps on itself.

In a failure to uphold the trust responsibility, the 2013 sequestration impacted the Indian Health Service and Indian Country. For more information on NIHB's work to protect the Indian health system from sequestration, click here.

Posted: April 16, 2019

HHS Annual Tribal Budget Consultation April 23 - 24

The HHS Annual Tribal Budget Consultation will be hosted by HHS next week on April 23 - 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. Click here for the Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) announcing the session and here for the final agenda.

A planning call for any final questions will be held Wednesday, April 17 at 3:00 PM ET. Call details can be found in the attached DTLL.

If you plan to attend the consultation, please RSVP to [email protected] with your name, title, and Tribe. If you plan on sending a designee, they should also RSVP.

*Please note, per the HHS Tribal Consultation Policy, non-elected Tribal designees must present a letter of designation on Tribal letter head to IEA before participating in the consultation.

Posted: April 8, 2019

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a one-page letter to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, supporting a Federal District Court's ruling from December 2018 that invalidated the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The case holds tremendous potential for impact to Indian Country. The ACA incorporated the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) through reference and was permanently reauthorized when Congress passed the ACA. In addition to the IHCIA, the ACA included other important Indian-specific provisions integral to the Indian health system. A court ruling that invalidates the ACA also jeopardizes the IHCIA and Indian specific provisions of the ACA.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), along with 483 Tribes and Tribal organizations, worked with the law firm of Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, LLP to file an amicus brief that argues that the IHCIA and Indian-specific provisions are “severable” from the ACA and should be protected no matter what the 5th Circuit decides with respect to the rest of the ACA. That brief was filed on April 1.

On April 4, 2019, NIHB Director of Policy Devin Delrow took part in an interview with Montana Public Radio regarding protecting the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). Listen to the interview here: https://www.mtpr.org/post/native-health-advocates-weigh-obamacare-repeal-case

Posted: April 4, 2019

HRSA announces upcoming webinar on the Shortage Designation Modernization Project (SDMP).

The webinar will provide information about the national update of automatically designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) for summer 2019. The webinar will also provide dedicated time for Tribes and Urban Indian organization leaders to provide input on the project.

You can view the full announcement here.

Posted: April 1, 2019

NIHB CEO, Stacy A. Bohlen, Speaks About Opioid Crisis in Indian Country on Democracy Now!

The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health crises facing Indian Country. As of 2017, American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) experience the second highest opioid overdose mortality rate nationwide at 15.7 deaths per 100,000. Drug overdose death rates increased 519% among AI/ANs from 1999-2015 – the sharpest such increase of any group nationwide. Tribal communities face significant challenges in turning this tide. Some of these obstacles include industry opioid dumping in Indian Country, overuse of opioids as a place-holder for unfunded medical treatments, critical shortages of medical and public health practitioners, poverty and chronic underfunding of the Indian health system. On March 27, 2019 NIHB’s Chief Executive Officer, Stacy A. Bohlen, joined DEMOCRACY NOW! to discuss the state of the opioid crisis in Indian Country and shared insight on the challenges and successes towards achieving healing and recovery for all American Indians and Alaska Natives. You can view this Democracy Now! Show here: https://www.democracynow.org/2019/3/27/an_invisible_crisis_native_american_tribes

Posted: March 26, 2019

IHS Congressional Justification for FY 2020 Now Available

On Monday, March 25, 2019, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released its Congressional Justification (CJ) which provides additional details in support of President Trump's Budget proposal priorities to enhance the health and well-being, strengthen direct medical services and expand efforts to improve medical quality at IHS facilities.

You can view the full CJ here.

Read Full Article

Posted: March 11, 2019

President's FY 2020 Budget Request to Congress Released

Major Cuts to Domestic Spending

Today the President released his fiscal year (FY) 2020 Budget Request to Congress. This document contains funding recommendations to Congress as it begins to draft next year's appropriations bills.

Additional details on the FY 2020 request will be available in the coming weeks, but you can read the overall budget request here and the HHS Budget in Brief here (Indian Health Service (IHS) starts on page 36). You can also view the recommendations of the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup for FY 2020 here...

Posted: March 7, 2019

NIHB Testifies in front of Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

On March 6, 2019, NIHB Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. This was part of a two day public witness hearing that is focused on Tribal programs. The Subcommittee holds public witness hearings annually and provides an opportunity for testimony regarding the Indian Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other critical Tribal programs...

Posted: March 5, 2019

NIHB Elects New Executive Board, Takes to Capitol Hill

On February 26, 2019, during the National Indian Health Board's 2019 quarterly Board of Directors Meeting, members of the Board held elections for the positions of Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Member-at-Large, and Secretary...

Posted: March 5, 2019

Advance Appropriations Support Letter - Outreach Needed!

The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus are circulating a Congressional sign on letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee to support advance appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

As noted above, advance appropriations would mean that the IHS budget would be enacted one year in advance of the fiscal year. This would mean IHS and BIA would not be subject to government shutdowns and continuing resolutions if Congress cannot get the budget passed by the start of the fiscal year. The recent 35-day partial government shutdown demonstrated the urgency to enact Advance Appropriations for programs serving Indian Country.

We are requesting that you contact your Representatives and encourage them to sign onto the letter. The deadline to sign onto the letter is Friday, March 8...

Posted: March 5, 2019

SDPI Letter Circulating on Capitol Hill - Tribal Outreach Needed!

The Co-Chairs of the House Diabetes Caucus are circulating a Congressional sign on letter to House leadership supporting the Special Diabetes Program, which funds type-1 research, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), which supports Tribal programs focused on diabetes prevention and treatment.

Congressional authorization for SDPI will expire on September 30, 2019 unless Congress renews the program. Currently, legislation in the Senate would renew SDPI for five years at the current funding level of $150 million per year. House legislation will be introduced in the near future. The letter from the Diabetes Caucus will be a useful tool for advocates of SDPI, so NIHB is working to ensure as many congressional offices as possible sign onto the letter...

Posted: February 26, 2019

Input Needed on HIV and Viral Hepatitis Prevention in Indian Country

The federal government is seeking direct input from stakeholders on two key strategic documents that guide federal programmatic and policy decisions - the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan (NVHAP). NIHB is collecting comments, input, stories, and information on HIV and viral hepatitis prevention, care and treatment in response to this request for information. NIHB will bring together the comments from across Indian Country to submit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy to inform the creation of the next iterations of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan...

Posted: February 26, 2019

Latest Draft of Amicus Brief in Affordable Care Act Lawsuit Now Available - Tribal Nations and Organizations Encouraged to Sign-On

The law firm Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker is leading efforts to file an amicus brief on behalf of Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations in response to the December 2018 decision by a district court in Texas that ruled the entire Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to be unconstitutional. The Court's ruling was based on the premise that, because the individual mandate is an essential component of the ACA, that Congress' elimination of the tax penalty associated with the mandate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 rendered the entire legislation unconstitutional. The ruling has faced heavy criticism from both ends of the political aisle and is currently on appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit...

Posted: February 20, 2019

Trump Signs Budget Deal, IHS Funded Through September

Last Friday, February 15, 2019, President Trump signed legislation funding federal agencies through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 and ending the risk of a second 2019 government shutdown. With this legislation now signed into law, all federal agencies are funded through the end of the fiscal year.

Overall, the Indian Health Service (IHS) will receive $5.8 billion in FY 2019, an increase over FY 2018's $5.5 billion. This continues a historic trend of bipartisan budget increases for the agency, although the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup recommended $6.4 billion for IHS in 2019.

Posted: February 20, 2019

National Indian Health Board Co-Chairs National Partnership for Dental Therapy

After 15 years of practice in the United States, dental therapists are expanding access to oral health care in a number of states where they practice as part of dental teams. Despite the documented success, the majority of people in Indian Country and in the U.S. as a whole cannot get care from these dental professionals.

Community Catalyst and the National Indian Health Board are launching the National Partnership for Dental Therapy to accelerate the authorization of dental therapists nationwide so that people can get care where and when they need it, in their own communities.

Posted: February 20, 2019

SDPI Renewal Efforts Already Underway, Your Help Needed!

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is one of the most successful public health programs in Indian Country. During the lifetime of the program, the rate of End Stage Renal Disease among the American Indian/Alaska Native population has plummeted by 54%!

Without renewal from Congress, the program will expire on September 30, 2019. The House Diabetes Caucus, led by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY) have issued a letter to House leadership asking for their support for SDPI and the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which funds research into Type 1 Diabetes. A letter for Senators will be available in the near future. The last time a letter for SDP and SDPI was circulated, over 75% of Congress signed on!

Posted: February 14, 2019

Congress Reaches Deal to Avert Government Shutdown
Passage Expected Today

Congressional leaders have submitted legislation that would end the funding impasse over border security by providing $1.375 billion for physical barriers on the U.S.-Mexico Border. The 1,100-page legislation also contains funding for 9 other federal departments and dozens federal agencies - including the Indian Health Service (IHS) - through September 30, 2019...

Posted: February 12, 2019

Congress Continues Exploring IHS Budget Solutions

On Friday, February 8, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK) introduced two bipartisan bills to authorize advanced appropriations for essential Tribal services that are funded by the federal government. Congresswoman McCollum's bill, H.R. 1128, the Indian Programs Advanced Appropriations Act (IPAAA), would provide advanced appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service. Congressman Young's, H.R. 1135, the Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations Act of 2019 provides advance appropriations authority for the Indian Health Service. Advance appropriations make funding available one year or more after the year of the appropriations act in which it is contained. Both bills are cosponsored by the Co-Chairs of the Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM)...

Posted: February 12, 2019

Administration Announces Goal of Ending New HIV Infections by 2030

HHS Releases Request for Information on Updating the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan

During his 2019 State of the Union Address, President Trump announced that his Administration will be putting forth a national strategy for ending new HIV infections in the United States by the year 2030. In addition to the President's announcement, on Friday February 8, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) posted a request for information (RFI) on the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the next iteration of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan (NVHAP) - both of which currently expire next year.

Posted: February 5, 2019

Office of National Drug Control Policy Releases 2019 National Drug Control Strategy Report

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has released its annual report outlining the Administration's priorities and blueprint for addressing drug addiction and trafficking nationwide. Located in the Executive Office of the President, the ONDCP is the principal office that coordinates drug control and response efforts across all federal agencies involved in prevention, treatment and interdiction including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Food and Drug Administration...

Posted: February 5, 2019

Bernhardt Announced as New Interior Secretary

On Monday, President Trump announced that David Bernhardt would be the next Secretary of the Interior. Bernhardt has served as Acting Secretary since former Secretary Ryan Zinke announced his departure from the agency in January. Bernhardt's background is in energy and natural resources policy.

Because the Department of the Interior oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, as well as other agencies working in Indian Country, the Secretary often works closely with Tribes. The position is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Posted: January 29, 2019

Udall Introduces Bill to Protect Tribal Health from Future Shutdowns

The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), introduced legislation to protect the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Education from future shutdowns. The legislation, the Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act, would fulfill a longstanding Tribal health priority by providing advance appropriations to IHS, which means Congress would enact funding for the agency a year ahead of time. The shutdown, in which Tribes had to curtail health services or cut other services to keep health facilities open in the absence of funding from IHS, highlighted the need for a long term budget solution for Tribal programs...

Posted: January 29, 2019

Shutdown Ends, Government Funded Until February 15

Last Friday, President Trump signed a Continuing Resolution (CR) reopening the agencies that were subject to the federal government shutdown. Under the CR, these agencies, including the Indian Health Service, will receive funding through February 15, 2019.

Employees who had to work without pay during the shutdown or who were furloughed will receive back pay under the terms of the CR. These 800,000 employees had missed two pay checks during the shutdown. Additionally, the end of the shutdown means that the Indian Health Service can resume its payments to Tribes operating their own health systems, something the agency's leadership said it planned to do as soon as possible.

Posted: January 25, 2019

NIHB Submits Comments on Healthy People 2030 Framework

On January 17, 2019, NIHB submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on their proposed objectives for Healthy People 2030. Every ten years, the Healthy People initiative establishes core objectives and health topic areas to guide HHS in its efforts to improve the health of all Americans. The Healthy People framework acts as a blueprint that helps inform the major health goals and priorities of the department and its agencies including the Indian Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and other agencies. The Healthy People initiative is managed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at HHS.

To access NIHB’s comments, click HERE. You can access all of NIHB’s Comments HERE.

To learn more about the Healthy People initiative, click HERE

Posted: January 25, 2019

White House Announces Deal to End Shutdown
Government to Reopen Until February 15

This afternoon, President Trump announced an agreement between himself and Congressional leaders to end the partial government shutdown, currently in its 35th day.

While this agreement will not supply funding for a border wall, the central issue of disagreement leading to the shutdown, the President said that Congress would study the issue.

Under the terms of the agreement, Congress will fund the closed agencies until February 15, 2019, at which point another deal will have to be reached. The 800,000 affected federal employees will return to work for that time period and also receive back pay for the past 35 days. This includes the employees of the Indian Health Service (IHS)...

Posted: January 19, 2019

CMS Grants Arizona Medicaid Waiver on Work Requirements - Exempts Members of Federally Recognized Tribes

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Arizona's request for an amendment to add work and community engagement requirement to its Medicaid Program. As part of the approval by CMS, members of Federally Recognized Tribes will be exempted from work and community engagement requirements...

Posted: January 18, 2019

National Tribal Organizations Send Letter to President and Congressional Leadership Urging Action to End Shutdown

On January 10, 2019, eight national Tribal organizations, including the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), submitted a letter to the president and bi-partisan congressional leadership urging immediate action to end the partial government shutdown that is disproportionately impacting American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations. The letter highlighted the shutdown’s impact on Tribal economies, access to healthcare, Tribal self-governance, and Indian housing, education, nutrition, and child welfare.

To read the letter, click HERE (PDF)

To read the accompanying statement, click HERE (DOC)

Posted: January 11, 2019

National Native Organizations Unite and Urge the President and Congress to Re-Open the Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. | On the 20th day of the government shutdown, eight national Native organizations are jointly urging the President and Congress to immediately end the partial government shutdown, which breaks the treaty and trust obligations the federal government owes to tribal nations. The organizations jointly sent a letter to Congress and the President outlining the wide-ranging impacts of the shutdown on Indian Country.

America’s longstanding, legally-mandated obligations to tribal nations should be honored no matter the political quarrels of the moment. “During this shutdown, Congress and the President are putting the well-being of our tribal nations and our citizens in jeopardy. As governmental leaders, we know that it is simply not an option to stop serving our citizens. On behalf of Indian Country, we urge the President and Congress to do their jobs and reopen the government immediately,” said National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel...

Posted: January 10, 2019

Government Shutdown Puts the Public’s Health at Risk; Potential for Harm Increases as Impasse Continues

As the government shutdown reaches its 20th day, leaders across a spectrum of health, public health and civil rights organizations call on Congress and the President to immediately reopen the government.

The ongoing shutdown is having a negative impact on the public’s health, both directly and by impacting other factors that influence health such as nutrition support programs at the Department of Agriculture and rental assistance programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. That impact will only grow and become more detrimental if the shutdown continues...

Posted: January 7, 2019

Shutdown Continues into Second Week, Tribes Feeling Impact

Today is the 13th day of the partial government shutdown, and the federal agencies impacted are beginning to see their services effected as carry over funds diminish.

This shutdown is unlike others due to its limited impact: it only affects those agencies which have not been funded by Congress for the entirety of Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Unfortunately, this includes the Department of Interior as well as the Indian Health Service. Other public health programs operating in Indian Country within HHS are funded and will continue without disruption...

Posted: January 4, 2019

Tell Congress How the Shutdown is Harming Your Tribe's Health!

Today, January 3, 2019, marks the 13th day of the partial government shutdown. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is one of the agencies affected by the lapse in funding, and both Direct Service and Self Governance Tribes have been impacted.

Even as IHS facilities remain open to provide medical care, Tribes are still feeling the impact of the shutdown. Due to the IHS's inability to provide funding to Tribes and many federal employees during the shutdown, many health programs and critical health services are unable to continue providing care...

Posted: January 4, 2019

Potential Government Shutdown Approaching:
Legislation Introduced to Keep IHS Funded
What Tribes Can Expect During & After a Shutdown

The federal government may be undergoing a partial shutdown if Congress fails to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) by the end of the day today, December 21, 2018. At the time of this writing, it is unclear if the Congress and the President will reach an agreement to keep the government open by tonight. President Trump has indicated that he will not sign legislation that does not fund the border wall. Senate Democrats have said that they will not accept that option.

Posted: January 3, 2019

New Congress Sworn In, Pelosi Elevated to Speaker

Today the 116th Congress took the oath of office and began its two-year term. With Democrats in Control of the House and Republicans in the majority in the Senate, Congress is divided for the first time since 2014.

As NIHB detailed in a webinar analyzing the results of the 2018 midterm elections on Indian health, the new Congress includes four members of federally-recognized Tribes, the most ever in the history of Congress. Committee assignments for the two newly elected Tribal women, as well as the 88 other Congressmembers elected for the first time, will be known in the very near future.

As expected, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reclaimed her place as the top member of the House, a post which she held from 2007-2011. While there had been some doubt as to whether the House Democrats would continue to support Pelosi, who has led the caucus since 2004, she won a crucial caucus vote following the 2018 elections. Pelosi has demonstrated familiarity with the federal government's trust responsibility to provide health to Tribes and has been a supporter of many of Indian Country's health priorities.

2018

Posted: December 21, 2018

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report on Federal AI/AN Funding Shortfalls

Today, December 20, 2018, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released "Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans". The Commission evaluated whether the federal government is meeting its trust responsibilities to the Tribes by examining federal budgets and agency spending of on programs or initiatives designed to meet the needs of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Native Hawaiian communities, including programs under the Departments of Health & Human Services, Interior, Housing & Urban Development, Justice, and Education.

Posted: December 21, 2018

President Signs Farm Bill into Law; USDA to Release Proposed Rule on SNAP Work Requirements

On Thursday December 20, 2018, President Trump signed H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - better known as the "Farm Bill" into law. The 5-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill includes important gains in traditional food production, nutrition access, and agriculture infrastructure development for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes and Tribal communities...

Posted: December 20, 2018

GAO releases report on IHS funding levels compared to other federal health programs

On December 10, 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which acts as the "audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress", published a report considering spending levels for the Indian Health Service (IHS), compared to three other federal health care providers. The report comes at the request of Congressional leaders on the Interior appropriations subcommittee of the House of Representatives.

In the report GAO compared the funding levels of IHS, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Medicare, and Medicaid. It looks at funding levels from 2013 through 2017 and analyzed budget and program documents from the four programs to determine total annual spending levels and spending on a per capita basis. The report found that IHS's per capita spending was $4,078, compared to $8,109 for Medicaid, $10,692 for VHA, and $13,185 for Medicare. The report highlights that IHS has a different by design form the other federal healthcare providers, in that it has smaller facilities that are more rural, and often offer mostly primary and emergency care services. In addition, the IHS and VHA depend on funding levels that are subject to the annual appropriations process, meaning that per capita spending could drop, with more people being served.

Posted: December 20, 2018

HHS Tribal Consultation Policy Deadline Extended by 90 days

On October 22, 2018, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL), requesting feedback from Tribal representatives on HHS' Tribal Consultation Policy (TCP). The TCP is reviewed periodically. The original deadline for comments was December, 19, 2018 but thanks to Tribal advocacy, this deadline has been extended for 90 days and comments will now be due on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Specifically, HHS seeks input on:

The consultation mechanisms that work and those that do not; and

What HHS can do to improve their activities to ensure an effective and meaningful Tribal Consultation Policy?

Comments can be sent to:

Stacey Ecoffey, Principal Advisor for Tribal Affairs
Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave SW Room 620-E
Washington, DC 20201
Email: [email protected]

Posted: December 19, 2018

Federal District Judge Issues Ruling that the Affordable Care Act is Unconstitutional

On Friday December 14, 2018, United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Reed O’Connor, ruled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (P.L. 111-148) to be unconstitutional after twenty states filed lawsuits in February 2018 arguing that the entire law was invalidated after congress repealed the individual mandate to purchase health insurance. The individual mandate – which was repealed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 – was a central pillar of the health law that required individuals who could afford health coverage to obtain health insurance or face a financial penalty or tax.

Posted: November 12, 2018

Farm Bill Includes Important Provisions Promoting Tribal Health and Sovereignty

After months of negotiations, leaders from both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees came to an agreement on renewing the Farm Bill, which expired on September 30, 2018. On Tuesday December 12, the Senate passed the massive $867 billion legislation by a vote of 87-13, with the House set to vote on the bill this week. Tribes and Tribal organizations have long advocated for key provisions in the bill that improve food and nutrition access for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Conference report on the 2018 Farm Bill was released Monday night and included many key Tribal provisions that support Tribal sovereignty and Tribal Health...

Posted: November 9, 2018

Congressional Co-Chairs of IHS Task Force Request Input from Tribal Leaders

Today, the Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Indian Health Service (IHS) Task Force released a letter to Tribal leaders requesting information regarding the IHS' accessibility, resources, patient outreach, workforce, cost and other effectiveness metrics...

Posted: November 2, 2018

NIHB Analysis of H.R. 6 - SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act

On October 24, 2018, the President signed into law H.R. 6 - SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act - a comprehensive package of bills to address the opioid overdose epidemic.

Addressing the opioid crisis has been a top priority in Congress, and this legislation fulfills a long anticipated promise of delivering more federal dollars and resources to assist communities in their response efforts. Passed by margins of 98-1 in the Senate and 396-14 in the House, the bipartisan and bicameral support for passage of H.R. 6 speaks directly to the heightened national urgency to turn the tide on the epidemic...

Posted: September 27, 2018

Congress Passes Health Funding Bill

Trump to Sign Fiscal Year 2019 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill and Continuing Resolution for Several Agencies

The House of Representatives last night passed H.R. 6157, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill, which contains funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well as the Departments of Labor, Education, and Defense. The bill funds these agencies until September 30, 2019.

H.R. 6157 also contains a Continuing Resolution (CR) funding several other agencies, including the Indian Health Service (IHS), until December 7, 2018...

Read Full Article

Posted: September 25, 2018

Senate Passes Comprehensive Opioids Bill

Multiple Tribal Additions Included in Alexander Amendment

Today, the Senate passed its version of comprehensive opioids legislation. The Opioid Crisis Response Act (OCRA) passed as an amendment to H.R. 6, the Support for Patients and Communities Act, an opioids bill that passed the House on June 22, 2018.

The final version of OCRA, a bipartisan bill written by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reflects many Tribal priorities and incorporates several suggestions from the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and the Tribes. The original Senate bill, S. 2680, included Tribes in certain provisions...

Read Full Article

Posted: September 10, 2018

NIHB Announces 2018 Jake White Crow Award Winner

The National Indian Health Board is pleased to announce that Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma (Chickasaw Nation) will receive the 2018 prestigious Jake White Crow Award. This award recognizes an individual or organization with outstanding lifetime achievements in elevating health care advocacy, raising awareness or affecting positive change for American Indian and Alaska Native health care.

The Congressman, one of only two American Indians in Congress, has been a champion for Indian Country throughout his career. He is a visionary leader in the U.S. Congress when it comes to ensuring that the federal government meets its trust responsibility to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Cole has been instrumental in securing funding for all of Indian Country by constantly advocating on behalf of the Tribes and educating his colleagues about the federal trust responsibility to Tribes. He chairs the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. In this role, he has worked to ensure that the Indian health system receives equitable funding across the Department of Health and Human Services. He also serves on the Appropriations subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations where he has been a strong advocate for increased Indian Health Service funding. In the time that Congressman Cole has served on that Subcommittee, IHS funding has increased by $2 billion. Outside of the Appropriations Committee he serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and in that role he works to ensure that the federal government honors its promises to American Indians and Alaska Natives in all legislation considered by Congress.

"I am thrilled that the Board has chosen to honor Congressman Tom Cole as the 2018 Jake White Crow Award winner. His leadership in Congress has advanced the needs of Indian health," said NIHB Chairman Vinton Hawley. "Mr. Cole works tirelessly to ensure that the federal government fulfills its trust responsibility for health and protects Tribal sovereignty at every turn" continued Chairman Hawley.

Upon being notified of the award Congressman Cole said, “I am very honored to receive the Jake White Crow Award from the National Indian Health Board. Supporting medical care, research and advocacy has been among my top priorities in Congress as the Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. And since my first day in Congress, supporting Native American and Tribal wellbeing across sectors has been a top priority as well. I will always continue to ensure that Native American citizens have proper and adequate access to healthcare in Tribal communities.”

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is a 501(c) 3 not for profit, charitable organization serving all 573 Federally recognized Tribal governments for the purpose of ensuring that the federal government upholds its trust responsibilities to provide health care to the Tribes. NIHB also works to elevate health care status, services and systems of the Tribes and our Peoples.

Other awards for National Impact, Area Impact, and Local Impact will be announced at the Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This year’s theme is “Expanding the Horizon of Indian Health.”

Please visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets.

Posted: July 18, 2018

2018 Direct Service Tribes National Meeting

On July 11-12, 2018, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) participated in the Direct Service Tribes National Meeting (DSTNM) in St. Paul, MN. The DSTNM was preceded by the fourth quarterly meeting of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee (DSTAC) on July 10, 2018. The DSTAC is comprised of elected and appointed leaders from nine IHS areas with Direct Service Tribes (DSTs) that offers recommendations and policy guidance to the IHS. The DSTNM is an annual two-day event hosted by the Indian Health Service (IHS), focused on supporting community wellness and strength. The theme for the 2018 national meeting, “Utilizing people, partnerships, quality and resources to strengthen our communities” featured speakers and breakout sessions that addressed Direct Service Tribes (DST) health priorities...

Click Here to view NIHB Presentation Slides

Click Here to View Photos

Posted: July 12, 2018

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2019 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill

Programs of Significance for Tribes in the FY 2019 House and Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Bills

On Tuesday, July 11, 2018, the full House Appropriations Committee held a markup hearing and voted to advance the FY 2019 Appropriations Bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (commonly referred to as Labor-HHS) by a vote of 30-22. No Tribally-specific amendments were adopted during the markup; however, representatives from both parties adopted a number of amendments aimed at addressing the impact of family separation policies at the border. The bill must now be voted on the House floor before being sent on to the Senate. The full Senate Appropriations Committee advanced their Labor-HHS bill prior to the July 4th recess...

Posted: July 2, 2018

2019 House Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill
Markup Scheduled for After July 4th

Tribes Must Redouble Advocacy Efforts to Protect Gains and Continue Momentum!

Yesterday, June 25, the House Appropriations Committee announced that it was postponing one of its last remaining mark-ups, delaying a vote on a bill crucial to public health programs in Indian Country. The mark-up for the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill had been scheduled for today, June 26, but will now take place after the July 4th Recess.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) had its markup of the appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 on June 15. This bill funds several public health programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that operate in Indian Country. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) provided oral testimony and a written statement to the subcommittee outlining the success of these programs and providing recommendations for funding in FY 19...

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Posted: April 18, 2018

The House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA) hosted a Natural Resources Roundtable Conversation on Environment and Public Health.

The roundtable brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders working to improve the health of communities impacted by environmental impacts. The group highlighted the health challenges faced by communities across the United States related to air pollution, water contamination, and irresponsible mining and land management practices, among other concerns.

Stacy Bohlen, CEO of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) participated in the roundtable to advocate for the environmental public health concerns of Tribes. Ms. Bohlen stated, "American Indian and Alaska Native people have lived for thousands of years in harmony with our surrounding environments, taking what we needed from the land for physical, cultural, and spiritual purposes. Tribal practices and lifeways were sustainable over time, and protected the health of current and future generations." She shared that, despite this tremendous respect for the environment, Tribes now find this harmony and balance slipping away as industry creates negative impacts that are far reaching and long lasting.

The need for Trial consultation in regards to public health was stressed by Ranking Member Grijalva, who emphasized that Tribal public health concerns should not be considered "after the fact" – rather, Tribes should have the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, needs, and experiences before any decisions or actions are taken.

Both Ranking Member Grijalva and Representative Barragan look to continue dialogue with organizational partners, to highlight environmental impacts on health, and galvanize action that can disrupt and prevent these health impacts from harming community health, especially those most vulnerable among us like children and elders. The National Indian Health Board will continue to work with the House Natural Resources Committee to ensure that the public health concerns of American Indians and Alaska Natives are addressed.

Posted: March 27, 2018

NIHB Testifies on the Opioid Crisis in Indian Country

Advocates for Specific Tribal Funding, Traditional Healing Practices and better data collection

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recently testified before two congressional committees on the need to improve the response to the opioid crisis in Tribal communities.

On March 14, 2018, NIHB Treasurer and Bemidji Area Representative Samuel Moose testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in a hearing titled: "Opioids in Indian Country: Beyond the Crisis to Healing the Community." On March 22, 2018, NIHB Chief Executive Officer Stacy A. Bohlen testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee at a hearing titled, "Combating the Opioid Crisis: Prevention and Public Health Solutions."

Posted: March 23, 2018

The FY 2018 Omnibus & its Impact on Indian Health
Includes Tribal Set Asides for Opioid Funding, $500 million increase for IHS

Last night, Congressional leaders unveiled a massive $1.3 trillion spending bill that will fund the federal government through the rest of FY 2018. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (H.R. 1625) contains funding for most of the federal government agencies including Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Indian Health Service (IHS). The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 266-167 on Thursday, March 22. The Senate passed the bill 65-32 early Friday morning and sent it to President Trump for his signature...

Posted: March 23, 2018

UPDATE: President Trump Signs FY 2018 Omnibus
The Impact to Tribal Health: Tribal Set Asides for Opioid Funding, $500 Million Increase for IHS

President Trump announced today that, despite several objections to funding levels in the bill, he supported the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus. He signed the Omnibus into law shortly after 1:00 Eastern. This means that the government will be funded through September, the end of FY 2018.

Posted: February 27, 2018

HHS Releases Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022

Dear MMPC:
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted their Strategic Plan for FY 2018-2022 (Strategic Plan) to the HHS.gov website, linked above. Every four years, HHS updates its Strategic Plan, which describes its work to address health and human services issues. Tribes and Tribal health advocates may find this document useful in understanding administration priorities and their management perspective for federal agencies and programs that are implemented across Indian Country...

Posted: February 27, 2018

Congress Renews Health Programs Important to Tribes as Part of Budget Deal

On February 9, 2018, Congress passed a budget agreement that funded the government until March 23, 2018, and reauthorized several public health programs. Many of the programs either benefit Tribal members directly or provide funding to support Tribal public health programs. Reauthorization for these programs varied in length and amount. Below is a summary of renewed programs important to Tribes.

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) was renewed through September 30, 2019. The program will be funded at $150 million per year, the same amount it has received since 2004. SDPI currently funds 301 Tribal diabetes programs through a competitive grant process. The program has existed since 1997 and has helped lessen diabetes’s negative health impacts in Tribal communities. It has been cited as the most successful public health program in Indian Country...

Read More (PDF)

Posted: February 21, 2018

Robert Weaver Withdraws From Consideration as Indian Health Service Director

Today, February 21, 2018, the White House announced that Robert Weaver, Quapaw Tribe, has submitted his withdrawal from consideration as Director for the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Mr. Weaver was announced as the new IHS Director on October 6, 2017. His name had been submitted to the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where his nomination had been pending. His nomination has been met with mixed reactions from Indian Country, and The Wall Street Journal detailed allegations of employment misrepresentation and financial mismanagement...

Posted: February 13, 2018

President Trump Releases FY 2019 Budget Request: Major Cuts to Domestic Spending and Social Safety Net, Investments in Opioid Treatment and Prevention

On Monday, February 12, 2018 President Trump released his fiscal year (FY) 2019 Budget Request to Congress. This is the proposal that the Administration provides the Congress as they will develop the FY 2019 appropriation including funds for the Indian Health Service and other health programs serving Indian Country. It will be up to Congress to make any final spending decisions about appropriations for FY 2019, which will begin on October 1, 2018...

Posted: February 9, 2018

Congress Passes Spending Bill to Fund Government, Renews SDPI

Early this morning, both chambers of Congress approved a spending bill written by the Majority and Minority leaders in the Senate. Following the vote, President Trump signed the bill into law, reopening the federal government after an hours-long shutdown. The bill funds the federal government until March 23, 2018...

Posted: February 8, 2018

Budget Deal Includes 2 Year SDPI Renewal, Other Public Health Programs

Senate leadership has announced a two-year budget agreement to avoid another shutdown and lessen Congress's reliance on short term Continuing Resolutions to fund the government. It would fund the federal government through March 23, 2018, and provide a pathway for Congress to determine the final spending amounts for the remainder of FY 2018. Congress must pass a spending bill by the end of the day TODAY, February 8, 2018, to avoid another shutdown...

Posted: February 6, 2018

New Continuing Resolution Includes SDPI:
Bill Would Reauthorize Program for 2 Years

Last night, the House Appropriations Committee released the text of the latest Continuing Resolution to fund the government until March 23, 2018. Included in the legislative text is a 2 year reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians!

NIHB has made long term renewal of SDPI our top legislative priority, and success is in sight. But the journey to secure renewal is not over yet: Congress must still pass the Continuing Resolution with SDPI included!

Click here to view background materials for SDPI.
Click here to view updated talking points on how SDPI can be renewed NOW.

Posted: February 2, 2018

NIHB Issues Call to Action to Congress:
Finish the Job and Renew the Special Diabetes Program!

Today, Stacy A. Bohlen, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indian Health Board, in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, called upon Congress to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians in the Continuing Resolution that Congress will pass next week in order to keep the federal government funded past February 8.

The article will appear in print in The Hill, a nationwide publication. You can read the piece online here...

Posted: January 25, 2018

SDPI Outreach Needed: Next Continuing Resolution MAY Include Long-Term Renewal

As the National Indian Health Board has previously reported, one of our top legislative priorities is the long-term renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Funding for this highly effective, life-saving program will expire on March 31, 2018, unless Congress reauthorizes it before then.

When SDPI renewal was not included in the last Continuing Resolution despite Congressional promises to Indian Country, NIHB promised to provide Tribes and advocates with Congressional outreach guidance, materials, and information in order to secure renewal for the program...

Posted: January 23, 2018

NIHB Participates in Native Foods Roundtable at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

On January 18, 2018, NIHB Executive Director Stacy A. Bohlen participated in a roundtable with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs titled "Advancing Native Food Traditions in Indian Country." The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss Tribal policy recommends for the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

Ms. Bohlen stressed the need for federal policy to support traditional food practices, Tribal sovereignty, and self-determination. She made the link between access to traditional food and health outcomes. She said that all American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have a "fundamental right to be a healthy person to have access to traditional...foods that are part of defining who we are culturally. We find that the intersection of public policy and health outcomes has a very profound, and often has negative consequence for AI/ANs." When indigenous people are removed from their ability to produce traditional food by federal policies like removal, federal food programs that support processed food, or damming of rivers that disturb agricultural and subsistence practices, health also greatly suffers. Ms. Bohlen also highlighted the major, positive impact that the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) has had to bolster traditional food programs and urged that Congress swiftly reauthorize SDPI...

Posted: January 22, 2018

Senate Reaches Deal to End Government Shutdown
New CR Expires February 8

At noon today, the Senate voted to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to end the shutdown and fund the government through February 8, 2018. This vote is the result of a deal reached between Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY). The CR includes a 6-year renewal of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As part of the deal, the Majority Leader promised a vote on codifying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) before the CR expires. The House has not yet voted on the new CR but is expected to in the near future. The President has announced his support for the CR...

Posted: January 18, 2018

We Fight On: Special Diabetes Program for Indians Renewal Efforts Continue

The Work Continues... Thank you to everyone who participated in Congressional outreach for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) renewal today. Unfortunately, we just learned that SDPI is not likely to be included in the current Continuing Resolution (CR). The House Rules Committee is considering the CR now - we expect that the Committee will issue a Closed Rule, meaning no amendments will be allowed, and SDPI renewal is not in the CR. The CR being considered the Rules Committee today, if approved, will expire February 16, 2018. The CR does contain a 6-year reauthorization for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For many months, lawmakers and Congressional Leadership assured NIHB and Indian Country that the SDPI renewal would be taken up with CHIP: that did not happen today.

It is worthy of note, and we are grateful, that CHIP will be reauthorized for 6 years - because this program is so vital to American Indian and Alaska Native children...

Posted: January 17, 2018

New Continuing Resolution Does NOT Include Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization

Yesterday, January 16, 2018, House Republican leadership released language for the next Continuing Resolution (CR), which will fund federal government agencies until February 16. The CR includes a six-year reauthorization for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Many American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and their families receive coverage from this program, and NIHB supports its renewal. Unfortunately, the CR does NOT include any language renewing the Special Diabates Program for Indians (SDPI), which now expires on March 31, 2018!

Up to this point, NIHB had been told by Congressional staff that SDPI would be renewed with the long-term CHIP reauthorization...

Posted: July 18, 2018

2018 Direct Service Tribes National Meeting

Click Here to view NIHB Presentation Slides

Click Here to View Photos

Posted: July 12, 2018

House Appropriations Committee Advances FY 2019 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill

Programs of Significance for Tribes in the FY 2019 House and Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Bills

Posted: July 2, 2018

2019 House Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill
Markup Scheduled for After July 4th

Tribes Must Redouble Advocacy Efforts to Protect Gains and Continue Momentum!

Read Full Article

Posted: April 18, 2018

The House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA) hosted a Natural Resources Roundtable Conversation on Environment and Public Health.

Posted: March 27, 2018

NIHB Testifies on the Opioid Crisis in Indian Country

Advocates for Specific Tribal Funding, Traditional Healing Practices and better data collection

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) recently testified before two congressional committees on the need to improve the response to the opioid crisis in Tribal communities.

Posted: March 23, 2018

The FY 2018 Omnibus & its Impact on Indian Health
Includes Tribal Set Asides for Opioid Funding, $500 million increase for IHS

Posted: March 23, 2018

UPDATE: President Trump Signs FY 2018 Omnibus
The Impact to Tribal Health: Tribal Set Asides for Opioid Funding, $500 Million Increase for IHS

Posted: February 27, 2018

HHS Releases Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022

Posted: February 27, 2018

Congress Renews Health Programs Important to Tribes as Part of Budget Deal

Read More (PDF)

Posted: February 21, 2018

Robert Weaver Withdraws From Consideration as Indian Health Service Director

Today, February 21, 2018, the White House announced that Robert Weaver, Quapaw Tribe, has submitted his withdrawal from consideration as Director for the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Posted: February 13, 2018

President Trump Releases FY 2019 Budget Request: Major Cuts to Domestic Spending and Social Safety Net, Investments in Opioid Treatment and Prevention

Posted: February 9, 2018

Congress Passes Spending Bill to Fund Government, Renews SDPI

Posted: February 8, 2018

Budget Deal Includes 2 Year SDPI Renewal, Other Public Health Programs

Posted: February 6, 2018

New Continuing Resolution Includes SDPI:
Bill Would Reauthorize Program for 2 Years

Click here to view background materials for SDPI.
Click here to view updated talking points on how SDPI can be renewed NOW.

Posted: February 2, 2018

NIHB Issues Call to Action to Congress:
Finish the Job and Renew the Special Diabetes Program!

The article will appear in print in The Hill, a nationwide publication. You can read the piece online here...

Posted: January 25, 2018

SDPI Outreach Needed: Next Continuing Resolution MAY Include Long-Term Renewal

Posted: January 23, 2018

NIHB Participates in Native Foods Roundtable at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Posted: January 22, 2018

Senate Reaches Deal to End Government Shutdown
New CR Expires February 8

Posted: January 18, 2018

We Fight On: Special Diabetes Program for Indians Renewal Efforts Continue

It is worthy of note, and we are grateful, that CHIP will be reauthorized for 6 years - because this program is so vital to American Indian and Alaska Native children...

Posted: January 17, 2018

New Continuing Resolution Does NOT Include Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization

Up to this point, NIHB had been told by Congressional staff that SDPI would be renewed with the long-term CHIP reauthorization...

2017

Posted: December 22, 2017

Congress Approves Continuing Funding Resolution - Includes SDPI Funding Through March 31

Last night, Congress approved a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the federal government - including the Indian Health Service and most other federal agencies - through January 19, 2018 at current year funding levels. The previous CR would have expired today. The legislation passed in the House of Representatives by a margin of 231-188 where 16 Republicans voted no and 14 Democrats voted for the bill. In the Senate the legislation was approved by a vote of 66-32. In the Senate, 17 Democrats supported the measure and 2 Republicans opposed.

Importantly, the bill also contained a short term extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). Funding for this life-saving program would have expired on December 31. The new extension funds SDPI through March 31. The House of Representatives has already approved a 2-year extension for SDPI but due to the way it was paid for (through cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund) that legislation did not make it through the Senate...

Posted: December 12, 2017

Congressional Leadership Needs to Hear from You on Renewing SDPI

Washington, DC - On September 29, 2017, President Trump signed a 3 month extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) into law as part of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act (H.R. 3823). The program is now set to expire on December 31, 2017. Congress must act immediately so this life-saving program can continue in 301 Tribal communities across the country. Tribal leaders, members, and SDPI allies, should contact Congressional leadership immediately to urge them to focus on long-term renewal of SDPI. Both Senate and House leadership are key because they must schedule time for SDPI-related legislation to be considered as soon as possible.

Posted: November 9, 2017

New Video Shows How Dental Therapy Helps Alaska Native Youth

Kake, AK - The National Indian Health Board, with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and participation from the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, is proud to release a new video highlighting the impact of Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs) on Tribal youth in the community of Kake, Alaska. This video can be used as a tool for Tribes outside of Alaska looking to learn more about this innovative program...

Watch Video

Posted: October 25, 2017

President Trump Sends Indian Health Service Director Nomination to Senate

On Tuesday, October 24, President Trump sent four nominations to the U.S. Senate for confirmation - including the Indian Health Service (IHS) Director nominee, Robert M. Weaver.

Who is Robert Weaver?
As indicated in the White House's original announcement, Robert Weaver is a member of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and has long worked in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and health insurance. He is the founder and owner of four companies that provide healthcare consulting services to Tribal governments, their enterprises, and their members. Currently, Mr. Weaver owns his own business as an insurance broker and serves as the consultative representative to U.S. government relations for his own Tribe on healthcare issues. Mr. Weaver lives in Oklahoma with his wife and four children...Read More

Posted: October 18, 2017

Congress Releases Bipartisan Deal to Stabilize Health Insurance Marketplaces

On October 17, the leading Senators on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) unveiled a bipartisan plan to stabilize health insurance marketplaces. In the wake of an announcement from the Administration last week on ending the monthly subsidies made to health insurance companies, Congress faced added pressure from health insurers to move quickly on some form of stabilizing efforts for health insurance marketplaces.

Posted: October 13, 2017

President Trump Orders Two Actions on the Affordable Care Act

On Thursday, October 12, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order and issued a policy announcement that, taken together, could end the centerpiece of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.

Posted: October 4, 2017

Congress Enacts 3-month Extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

On September 29, 2017, President Trump signed a 3 month extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) into law as part of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act (H.R. 3823). The program would have expired on September 30, 2017, but now is set to expire on December 31, 2017. It is funded level funding from previous years ($150 million).

Posted: October 4, 2017

Affordable Care Act Repeal and Replace Efforts Will Not Move Forward in the Senate

Senate leaders announced today that they will not proceed with the latest legislative attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and reform the Medicaid system. This news follows the announcement of Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) that said she would not vote for the proposal. This left the Republicans short of the needed 50 votes to pass the legislation.

Posted: August 17, 2017

Special Diabetes Program for Indians Outreach is Needed Now More Than Ever

While Members of Congress are home for Recess, the month of August is the perfect time to meet with your lawmakers or invite them to visit your Tribal or IHS healthcare facilities. A top priority for Indian health legislation this Recess is the much needed renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI).

SDPI impacts the lives of well over 782,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives each year by funding over 300 diabetes treatment and prevention programs across the nation. No one can deny that SDPI has been a remarkable success - since the program's beginning in 1997 American Indians and Alaska Natives have had improved health outcomes and, therefore, lower spending on expensive treatments.

Posted: June 22, 2017

Senate Republicans Release ACA Repeal Bill

Vote Expected Next Week--Call Your Senators!

On June 22, Senate Republican leadership released a discussion draft of the "Better Care Reconciliation Act" (BCRA) a bill which repeals large parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reforms Medicaid.

Under the proposed legislation, starting in 2020, Medicaid would be put under a per capita spending limit. States would have the option of switching the program to a solely state-run block grant. Providing states with decision making authority fundamentally shifts the trust responsibility to Tribes from the federal government to the states and means that services under the state-operated Medicaid will likely be cut. However, the bill does retain 100% federal matching under Medicaid for Indian Country which is critical...

Posted: June 20, 2017

NIHB Seeking 2017 Outstanding Awards Nominations

NIHB is now accepting nominations for outstanding individuals, organizations and programs in Indian health until July 28, 2017.

Click here for more information.

Posted: June 7, 2017

NIHB -NCAI Letter on Senate Healthcare Reform Legislation

Read Letter Here

Posted: June 6, 2017
National Indian Health Board Resolution 17-09

OPPOSING THE PRESIDENT’S FY 2018 BUDGET REQUEST

WHEREAS, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), established in 1972, serves all Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal governments by advocating for the improvement of health care delivery to AI/ANs, as well as upholding the Federal government’s trust responsibility to AI/AN Tribal governments; and

WHEREAS, the unmet health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives are severe and the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives is far below that of the general population of the United States, resulting in an average life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives 4.5 years less than that for the U.S. all races population; and...

Read More (PDF)

Posted: May 31, 2017

Legislation Introduced to Reform Indian Health Service

Today, May 25, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate introduced legislation that would make reforms to the Indian Health Service (IHS). The legislation is called the "Restoring Accountability in the IHS Act." It is sponsored by Representatives Kristi Noem, Rob Bishop (R-UT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA), and Tom Cole (R-OK) in the U.S. House of Representatives and by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Thune (R-SD) and John Hoeven (R-ND) in the U.S. Senate...

Posted: May 24, 2017

President Trump’s First Budget Released | Major Cuts to Health Spending Including IHS

On May 23, 2017 the Trump Administration released its FY 2018 budget request to Congress. The budget calls for cutting funding for all federal departments besides the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security. It would decrease non-defense spending by $57 billion in FY 2018. This budget is a proposal of what the Administration thinks that funding priorities should be for next fiscal year. The final funding decisions will be made by Congress, and key leaders in Congress have made public statements emphasizing that.

For the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Administration proposes that IHS spending would be $4.7 billion in FY 2018. This is a shocking $300 million less than the FY 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-31) which was enacted earlier this month. While full details of the budget are not yet available at the time of this writing, the budget achieves most of its cuts through major reductions to the facilities funding at IHS. You can read more details about the IHS budget proposal below…

Posted: May 9, 2017

Congress Releases FY 2017 Spending Plan- Increase for Indian Health Service and Other Tribal Health Priorities

On Sunday, April 30, 2017, Congressional leaders unveiled the final FY 2017 Omnibus appropriations measure (H.R. 244). The current continuing resolution keeping the federal government open expires on Friday, May 5, 2017. Overall, the legislation does not make dramatic cuts in the federal discretionary budget as proposed by President Donald Trump. Instead, the legislation represents a compromise between Republicans and Democrats and funds the federal government through September 30, 2017. The legislation is expected to be enacted by the end of the week.

This legislation contains annual discretionary appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and other federal programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Indian Health. Many of the health-related programs are unfortunately flat-funded or have nominal increases for FY 2017...

Posted: May 7, 2017

House of Representatives Passes the American Health Care Act, NIHB Remains Engaged

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), by a vote of 217-213. The legislation had been previously considered in March 2017. The bill, with amendments from Congressmen Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) and Fred Upton (R-MI), repeals portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and reforms the nation's healthcare insurance system. It will now head to the U.S. Senate for further consideration before it can become law.

Tribes are pleased that the bill leaves the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) intact. IHCIA has led to important gains in Tribal healthcare and public health systems. Additionally, the AHCA's effective repeal of the employer mandate alleviates what had become a significant economic burden on Tribal employers...

Posted: May 7, 2017

IHS Releases Dear Tribal Leader Letter Addressing Opioid Crisis

The Indian Health Service (IHS) released Dear Tribal Leader letter on May 2, 2017, outlining their new efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Tribal communities. The letter outlines initiatives taken by the Federal agency to improve coordination and responsiveness to the growing epidemic, while highlighting recent advancements such as the establishment of the IHS National Committee on Heroin, Opioid, and Pain Efforts (HOPE) Committee through official charter. To learn more, access the announcement HERE.

Posted: May 4, 2017

Federal Tribal Trauma Training Workshop
May 16, 2017 - 9:30

The White House Council on Native American Affairs’ (WHCNAA) Health Subgroup developed a Trauma Initiative in response to input from tribal leaders over time. The Trauma Initiative builds on the historical and intergenerational element of the National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda and is intended to increase awareness of federal staff as they work to support tribal efforts. Ultimately, the intent is to ensure that cross-federal efforts support healing and emotional well-being of tribal communities.

In support of the trauma initiative, the WHCNAA Health Subgroup in partnership with the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, and the National Indian Health Board will host a two hour federal tribal trauma training workshop on May 16, 2017 beginning at 9:30 am at the Hubert H. Humphrey Auditorium in Washington, DC. The workshop features an impressive speaker panel which includes Dr. Dolores Subia Bigfoot, Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, Dr. Ann Bullock, Dr. Karina Walters, Dr. Kori Novak, and Chief Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. This is an open event, however federal employees are encouraged to attend. The deadline to register is May 16, 2017 at 9:00am.

Registration link: http://www.cvent.com/d/k5qw3z
Live stream link: www.hhs.gov/live

Posted: May 1, 2017

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Extends Comment Period

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is initiating consultation with federally-recognized Indian tribes on the proposed rule, Tobacco Product Standard for N-nitrosonornicotine Level in Finished Smokeless Tobacco Products. On January 23, 2017, the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register, (82 Fr 8004); a notice extending the comment period to July 10, 2017, and noting a correction in a certain formula was published in the Federal Register on March 22, 2017 (82 FR 14647). To view the proposed rule, click here.

Posted: April 5, 2017

NIHB Conducting National Story Banking Campaign—Online Form Now Live

In the past, the focus has been around success stories for AI/ANs Natives on the Health Insurance Marketplace. However, with potential changes in the current health care environment, highlighting the importance of other health insurance coverages such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is vital to the role that NIHB plays in advocating for the health and wellness of AI/ANs. The National Indian Health Board needs your help to collect cases that have occurred to you personally, a family member, friends, or other members of your community where an AI/AN individual or individuals were positively affected with having health care coverage.

To facilitate these efforts NIHB now has an online google form to submit stories for this campaign. VIEW FORM HERE.

The stories can be short and do not have to include the actual name of the participant or other sensitive details. NIHB staff wants to work with you to record your stories, for more information, please contact Chawin 'Win' Reilly at [email protected].

#HealthyTribalCommunities #GetCoveredIndianCountry

Posted: April 4, 2017

The National Indian Health Board Celebrates National Public Health Week April 3rd through 9th with #ThisIsTribalPublicHealth

Join NIHB in celebrating National Public Health Week April 3rd -9th. Events include: a #ThisIsPublicHealth social media campaign raising awareness of public health in Indian Country; a webinar on Tuesday, April 4th to learn more about public health; an interview with a public health leader in Indian Country on Wednesday, April 5th; Traditional American Indian and Alaska Native Foods Pot Luck on Friday, April 7th.

Don’t forget to share your pictures and tweets!

For more information, visit #ThisIsTribalPublicHealth

Posted: April 4, 2017

Tribes Respond to Zika Threat to Ensure They Remain #HealthyCommunities

NIHB is leading a project, in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control, dedicated to capacity building and emergency preparedness and planning for the detrimental threat of the Zika virus, a unique mosquito borne disease. NIHB aims to build the capacity of Tribal health systems, Tribal leaders, and other public health stakeholders to adequately prepare for this disease, as the potential impacts of Zika are severe for developing fetuses and infants. Zika is a known cause of brain defects, including microcephaly, as well as congenital Zika syndrome (defects of the eyes, hearing deficits, and impaired growth).

NIHB is committed to sharing information, resources, and CDC guidance with Tribes to ensure all AI/AN nations can best equip their communities for this health threat. Because Zika is directly threatening Tribal nations in the southern regions of the country, NIHB hosted two Tribal Zika Summits in February of 2017 in Florida and Arizona, respectively. These summits provided a prime opportunity for regional Tribes and public health allies to gather for integral discussions about best practices for Zika and other public health emergencies. NIHB has also created an online Zika Hub where Tribes can go to receive tools, information, and resources about the virus. Further, NIHB intends to continue building on the work completed thus far in an effort to support Tribal nations with public health emergency preparedness and education and outreach for Zika.

Posted: April 4, 2017

Special Diabetes Program for Indians Helps Tribes Be #HealthyCommunities

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, children, and families face many adverse experiences and health outcomes compared to the general U.S. population. One of the most prominent health disparities in Tribal communities is the high rate of type 2 diabetes. AI/ANs of all ages are disproportionately impacted by type 2 diabetes and its many chronic complications– whether through their own individual diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. As such, Tribal communities must have the resources and support they need to access fresh and nutritious foods, safe places for physical activity, and quality diabetes treatment and intervention programs. Given this, it is more important than ever that Tribal communities work to prevent diabetes and its complications in young American Indians and Alaska Natives. One program in particular, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), has been especially successful in establishing and sustaining effective diabetes treatment and prevention programs in Indian Country...

Posted: April 4, 2017

National Indian Health Board Launches Tribal Oral Health Initiative to Build #HealthyCommunities in Indian Country

Tribal communities nationwide, like many underserved populations, suffer from a variety of dental afflictions. Over 80% of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children suffer from dental caries by the age of eight, compared with 50 percent for the same age for the rest of the population. Our children ages 2 to 5 have an average of six decayed teeth, when children in the U.S. all races population have only one. Poor oral health in children can result in missed school or work and decreased ability to eat healthy foods. Poor oral health also puts individuals at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, dementia and diabetes...

Posted: April 4, 2017

NIHB’s Collaborative Efforts Help Put First Kids 1st

The National Indian Health Board believes that every child is sacred. That’s why we partnered with the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, and the National Indian Education Association to create First Kids 1st.

First Kids 1st, or FKF, seeks to cultivate and nurture strategies and policies that build and strengthen equitable and local supports for vulnerable Native children in their communities. As Indian Country continues to transform its public health systems to meet the needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives, it is vital that youth be included in that process. As part of a youth engagement model, developing advocacy and policy that is youth-driven and youth-informed, NIHB inaugurated our first Youth Advisory Board in March 2017!

Posted: March 30, 2017

New Report on the Impact of ACA Repeal in Indian Country

Washington, DC--The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) released a report today outlining the impact a full repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would have on Tribes and American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) across the country.

You can read the full report HERE

Posted: March 26, 2017

House Leadership Pulls Modified American Health Care Act

Today, Congressional Republican leadership pulled the American Health Care Act (AHCA), meaning the legislation will not receive a vote. Leadership had struggled over the past few days to get the required majority from their own caucus, as all Democrats were opposed. Some Republicans opposing AHCA were frustrated that the bill did not more thoroughly repeal the ACA, while others were concerned that the bill would lead to loss of coverage and higher premiums.

The bill would have greatly impacted the Indian healthcare delivery system as a whole, and NIHB had outlined our concerns with the AHCA in a letter to Speaker Ryan.

The President said last night that if the House were to reject the AHCA, his preferred alternative would be to leave the ACA in place and move on to other legislative priorities. It is unclear at this time how much political will exists to revisit reforms to the ACA. NIHB will continue to advocate for healthcare improvements in Indian Country and for the federal government to uphold the trust responsibility for healthcare to our people.

Posted: March 26, 2017

Call for Nominations for the Native Public Health Innovation Award

In an effort to honor individuals, Tribes, organizations, and programs that have enriched and improved American Indian and Alaska Native public health, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) invites nominations for the Native Public Health Innovation Award. NIHB created this award to recognize excellence, achievement, and innovations that are above and beyond the call of service. NIHB recognizes that public health is a Native traditional value, and that Tribes have led the way in creating and implementing public health programming and services that align not only with contemporary needs, but with cultural beliefs as well. This award will highlight the work and vision of a Tribe, individual, organization or program that has worked to improve health status, implement new programming, address long standing health disparities, and/or increase the visibility of public health concerns.

NIHB will present the award at the 8th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit in Anchorage, Alaska during a plenary session. All nominations should be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, April 14, 2017. The winner will be notified within two weeks upon close of the nominations.

When submitting a nomination, please consider the following:

Contributions must be in the field of public health.
Contributions should have helped to advance the state of Tribal public health policy or programming, or improved the nature of public health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives at the Tribal, Area, or national level.

Click here to nominate someone today!

Questions? Please contact Win Reilly at [email protected]

Posted: March 23, 2017

NIHB Health Care Reform Reference Guide

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has created a Health Care Reform Reference Guide comparing the American Health Care Act (AHCA) with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to assist in understanding the various impacts of the proposed legislation on access to health insurance and health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The U.S. House of Representatives has scheduled a full floor vote this evening, therefore it is crucial for Tribal members to voice their concerns to their Congressional delegation about the impact the legislation will have on health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. In addition, NIHB and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) sent a joint letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) highlighting Tribal concerns in the American Health Care Act (AHCA) requesting the legislation be amended.

NIHB Health Care Reform Reference Guide

NIHB and NCAI Letter to Speaker Paul Ryan

NIHB and NCAI Joint Statement on American Health Care Act

Posted: March 7, 2017

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Not Targeted in House Health Reform Plan

On Monday night, House Republican leadership of two key committees, Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means, each released legislation to reform the nation's healthcare systems and change many aspects of the Affordable Care Act.

Crucially, neither committee's draft legislation included repeal of the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act (IHCIA), which was passed in 2010 as part of the ACA but remains unrelated to the main structure of the law's healthcare reforms. Other Indian-specific pieces of the ACA are also left intact...

Posted: February 13, 2017

NIHB and Tribes Celebrate Partial Relief from Memorandum on Federal Hiring Freeze

On February 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Deputy Secretary Colleen Barros issued a 2017 HHS Hiring Freeze Exemptions memorandum to provide implementation guidance for exemptions from the presidential memorandum directing a freeze on federal hiring. Certain Indian Health Service (IHS) positions are included among these exemptions...

Posted: February 8, 2017

NIHB Heads to Capitol Hill to Advocate for SDPI

NIHB led a group of diabetes prevention and treatment advocates to Capitol Hill on February 7 to educate lawmakers and their staff about the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). A vital public health program, SDPI has helped cut the rate of End-Stage Renal Disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives by 54% since 1996. Even going without a funding increase since 2004, the program has helped over 300 Tribes and Urban Indian programs develop public health programs to combat diabetes. The SDPI Day Outreach teams met with 18 Congressional and committee offices to stress the importance of the program and the success stories it has caused.

The authorization for SDPI will expire on September 30th of this year, so Congress must pass legislation renewing the program or the progress made in combating diabetes in Indian Country will be at risk. You can learn more about the program here.

Posted: February 5, 2017

NIHB 8th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit
Together We Rise: Sustaining Tribal Public Health as a National Priority

June 6 - 8, 2017 | Anchorage, AK

Call for Proposals
Now Open!

Public health practitioners, researchers, and community-based service providers are invited to submit abstracts for 90 minute workshops and 60 minute roundtables.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) encourages presentations highlighting evidenced-based, best, wise, or promising practices developed in and for Tribal communities.

Conference Tracks

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Public Health Policy, Infrastructure and Capacity
Substance Misuse and Behavioral Health
Climate Change and Environmental Health
Empowering Youth Wellness

Click HERE for additional information or to submit your proposal today!

Deadline: March 17, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2017

NIHB Board Heads to Capitol Hill to Advocate for Tribal Health

After their First Quarter Board Meeting, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Members Chief Beverly Cook, Lisa Elgin, Andy Joseph, Jr., Sam Moose, Tori Kitcheyan, and Lester Secatero spent the day on Capitol Hill.The board advocated for the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act to be preserved as Congress considers healthcare reform; increased appropriations for the Indian Health Service; an exemption for IHS from the federal hiring freeze; long-term renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians; and improvements to quality of care at IHS.

Posted: January 10, 2017

The National Indian Health Board is launching a new Tribal Youth Health Advisory Board (TYHAB) initiative

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is gearing up for the 2017 Native Youth Health Summit, "Youth Advocacy: Telling Your Story to Create Change" – but with an exciting new twist this year! The 2017 Summit will also serve as the inaugural meeting of the NIHB Tribal Youth Health Advisory Board on March 16-20, 2017 in Hanover, NH at the Dartmouth College.

For the very first time, the National Indian Health Board will be selecting an advisory board of 24 Native youth, ages 18-24, from around the country to engage throughout the year in Indian health policy and programming efforts. The inaugural meeting of the TYHAB will focus on developing the capacity of Native youth to engage in Indian health policy solutions, tell their personal story, and advocate for changes in the healthcare and public health systems important to Tribal communities. The TYHAB kickoff at the Native Youth Health Summit will provide youth with key opportunities for relationship- and skill-building that allows them to return home feeling empowered, connected to other Native youth and well equipped to be the next generation of advocates for Indian health...

Posted: January 10, 2017

CDC Vital Signs Report on Decreased Kidney Failure from Diabetes in Native Americans

Today, CDC released a report on the decrease in kidney failure from diabetes in Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) and how the Indian Health Service (IHS) used team-based and population health approaches to help accomplish this decline, which may be applied to all people with diabetes.

Native Americans have a greater chance of having diabetes than any other U.S. racial group. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure (otherwise known as end-stage renal disease, or ESRD-D), a costly condition that requires dialysis or kidney transplant to survive. The remarkable findings documented in the January 10, 2017 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) reveal that among American Indian/Alaska Native adults (AI/AN), age-adjusted ESRD-D incidence decreased 54% during 1996–2013; by 2013, among adults with diabetes, the ESRD-D rate was the same in AI/AN as in whites...

Posted: January 4, 2017

The Obama Administration Releases a Report Outlining Successes While Working with Tribes

The Obama Administration and Tribal Nations have made historic progress over the past eight years in improving the nation-to-nation relationship between the United States and federally recognized Tribes. On January 2, the White House released a progress report titled: A Renewed Era of Federal-Tribal Relations (https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/whncaa_report.pdf) outlining some of the successes of the Obama Administration while working on behalf of Tribes. The report sets a baseline of progress for Tribal Nations to reference in their ongoing work with the federal government, and outlines the priorities that the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) will continue to work on based on Tribal leaders’ recommendations.

During the Obama Administration, the federal government has sought to reinforce its treaty and trust obligations for healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Natives by securing permanent healthcare funding, striving to reduce chronic disease and childhood obesity, and focusing on behavioral health issues such as suicide and trauma. Historic gains in health and wellness for Indian Country were achieved in 2010 by the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which includes permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). The report highlights the following health and wellness achievements:

Creation of the Commission on Native Children
Responding to Behavioral Health Issues
Addressing Suicidal Behavioral in Tribal communities
Addressing Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Launching of the National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda (TBHA)
Improving Data Sharing Capability
Creation of the Tiwahe Initiative
Creation of IHS and Tribal Health Program Reimbursement Agreements
Tribal HUD-VA Supported Housing Demonstration Program
Supporting Traditional Foods in Indian Country

Posted: December 20, 2016

NIHB Hosts Native Health Presidential Transition Summit

Washington DC, December 9, 2016 - The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) convened over 170 Tribal leaders from across the nation to discuss strategy and the Indian health priorities for the new Congress and Administration during the Native Health Presidential Transition Summit on Thursday, December 8 in Washington, DC. Participants engaged with Members of Congress, including long-time Indian health advocate, Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), and recent Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)...

2016

Posted: December 6, 2016

It’s Time for a National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda

By: Kana Enomoto, Principal Deputy Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Mary Smith, Principal Deputy Director, Indian Health Service

The story of American Indians and Alaska Natives is one of resiliency and survival. But high rates of interpersonal violence, depressive symptoms, substance misuse (alcohol and illicit drugs), and suicide among members of tribal communities offer a small glimpse into how social injustices- endured over the course of multiple generations- threaten tribal communities.

The National Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda (TBHA) provides a blueprint to address current behavioral health issues and affect change for future generations...

Posted: December 6, 2016

New Tribal Agenda Aims to Improve Behavioral Health in Native Communities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today has announced the release of the Tribal Behavioral Health Agenda (TBHA), a first-of-its-kind collaborative tribal-federal blueprint that highlights the extent to which behavioral health challenges affect Native communities, in addition to strategies and priorities to reduce these problems and improve the behavioral health of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

There are 567 federally recognized and dependent sovereign American Indian and Alaska Native nations, tribes, rancherias, villages, and pueblos. American Indians and Alaska Natives represent 2 percent of the total U.S. population (6.6 million persons), but experience disproportionately high rates of behavioral health problems such as mental and substance use disorders. In addition, these communities' behavioral health needs have traditionally been underserved.

Posted: December 6, 2016

NIHB Highlighted in Office of Minority Health Blog - Recognizing an Important Health Equity Milestone in Native American Heritage Month

As a special feature for Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Nadine Gracia featured the National Indian Health Board in the Office of Minority Health - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services blog roll yesterday for the work NIHB is doing to bring #healthequity to Tribal communities.

The changing landscape of public health, with a multi-disciplinary approach focused on the social determinants of health is a true opportunity to advance the well-being of AIAN communities. A commitment to advancing health equity by giving Tribes the resources they need to advance their public health system will lead to healthier, sustainable Native communities and decreased disparities for generations to come.

#NAHM16

Read the blog now!
http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/Blog/BlogPost.aspx?BlogID=172

Posted: November 21, 2016

Funding Opportunity: Tribal Public Health and Climate Change
Applications Due November 30th, 2016

Building Tribal Capacity for Climate Change Resilience and Public Health Programs

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), with support from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Climate and Health Program in the National Center for Environmental Health, is pleased to announce a call for applications for a Building Tribal Capacity for Climate Change Resilience award. Designed to enhance the capacity of Tribes, this funding will provide up to three (3) Tribes with grants ranging from $75,000 to $89,000 for the opportunity to increase the level of programming, research, and/or coordination and communication between the Tribal programs, community, and key partners involved in addressing the health consequences of climate change. NIHB will assist in sharing lessons learned and best practices with the Tribal awardees, CDC's Climate and Health Program, Tribal Climate Change Workgroup members, and other key stakeholders… Read More

Posted: November 17, 2016

Congress to Fund Government with 3-Month Continuing Resolution

Congressional leaders today announced they would not move forward with any FY 2017 Appropriations bills until the next Congress. To fund the government, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers said in a statement that they will begin work on a continuing resolution (CR), which will fund most federal agencies until March 31, 2017. The current CR expires on December 9, 2016...

Posted: October 19, 2016

NIHB Applauds the Enactment of the Native Children's Commission Bill

On Friday, October 14, 2016, President Obama singed the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act into law. The Act authorizes the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission over a three-year period to evaluate and make recommendations regarding ways to improve Tribal, state, and federal programs serving Native children. The original bill was introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)...

Posted: October 12, 2016

Indian Health Service Hosts Joint Tribal Advisory Committees Meeting

On Sunday, October 9, 2016 the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) participated in a Strategy Session and World Cafe hosted by the Indian Health Service (IHS). The session was the first ever joint meeting between the Indian Health Services' Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee (DSTAC), Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC), and the Department of Health and Human Services' Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC). The purpose of this session was two fold: to generate concrete ideas to establish a framework for transformative change in the IHS that can be implemented immediately, and provide a forum to host a discussion among advisory committee members to share goals, objecties, and strategic plans of the DSTAC, TSGAC, and STAC...

Posted: October 6, 2016

Congress Passes Continuing Resolution, Funding for Zika

Last week, Congress passed a stopgap spending bill that would keep the federal government funded through December 9, 2016. The measure also provides $1.1 billion to combat the Zika virus. Additionally, it provides for a full year of funding for the Department of Veterans' Affairs and military construction projects...

Posted: September 30, 2016

2016-2017 Tribal ASI Awardees Announced September 29, 2016

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support is pleased to announce the selection of eight Tribal health departments for the Tribal Accreditation Support Initiative (Tribal ASI). This is the third cohort of Tribal ASI awards, and NIHB is excited about offering a total support package of $84,000 going directly to the eight selected Tribes. Each of the Tribal ASI awardees have constructed their own individual workplan that will accomplish specific and concrete steps towards achieving one or more of the standards for public health accreditation.

Read the Press Release (PDF)

Posted: September 23, 2016

National Indian Health Board Stands with Standing Rock

Scottsdale, AZ - The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board of Directors signed a resolution in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation at the National Tribal Nations Health Conference on September 22, 2016.

The NIHB is dedicated to assisting and promoting the health needs and concerns of Indian people. The prevention of harm to the health and well-being of Indian people is an essential aspect of the purpose of NIHB. The Board believes water is the foundation of all life on Earth and its preservation is essential to human survival...

Posted: September 21, 2016

NIHB 2016 Heroes in Native Health Awards Gala

September 21, 2016 – Phoenix, AZ - The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) 2016 Heroes in Native Health Awards Gala was held to honor individuals and organizations from across Indian Country for their achievements and contributions that go above and beyond the call of duty to enrich and improve American Indian and Alaska Native health. This year, forty-five individuals and organizations were chosen to receive recognition for their dedication to improving health outcomes in Indian Country. Some of these award winners have done tremendous work on behalf of their local community, while others have gone to great lengths to advocate and serve on a regional or national level. Read More

Posted: September 21, 2016

Acknowledging Challenges, Authoring the Future for Indian Country

Today marks the close of the first official day of the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) National Tribal Nations Health Conference, also known as the 33RD Annual Consumer Conference. NIHB is pleased to report that more than 800 Tribal leaders and health professionals joined us for our official opening ceremony! Taylor Talbi’Denzhoone Susan, Miss Indian Arizona, began the events for the day with a blessing and song, wishing all attendees a productive and safe time while attending the conference.

Over the course of the opening plenary, several ground breaking announcements were made, such as Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service, Mary Smith, announcing a telemedicine contract for the Great Plains Area with Avera Health. Avera will provide care across 10 different specialty areas for all 19 service units. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the NIHB Board of Directors and Great Plains Tribal leaders in attendance. Patrick Marcellais, the NIHB Great Plains Representative and Councilman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, said, "This is a terrific move that will make a huge difference to the Tribes in the Great Plains."

While acknowledging the health challenges facing American Indians/Alaska Natives, the tone of the plenary was one of making progress and creating solutions. As Ms. Smith stated, “If we are not talking about the difficult things, then we are not moving forward.”...

Posted: September 20, 2016

NOW AVAILABLE!
Affordable Care Act Toolkit for Native Youth!

With the launching of Generation Indigenous in 2014, the Obama Administration showed the American people the heritage, tradition, and perseverance of Native people in this country. But more importantly, this movement helped Native youth to recognize the responsibility of continuing this energy for generations to come.

The direct creation of Generation Indigenous is to help remove barriers that stand between Native youth and their opportunity to succeed. While these barriers are numerous for many Native youth, the National Indian Health Board acknowledges that some of the most debilitating barriers to success that a young Native person faces are directly related to the health and wellbeing of themselves and their communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control the AI/AN youth demographic has drastic rates of diabetes type 1 and 2 among people younger than twenty years old . Furthermore, AI/AN adolescents are 50 percent more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be overweight . These statistics illustrate large problems around obtaining quality of health and wellness for young people in Indian Country. Furthermore, they do not highlight the additional barriers unique to Indian Country for addressing these health disparities. These are, but not limited to, accessing affordable health insurance, proximity to quality healthcare providers, in addition to the high rates of health issues that impact Indian Country and its Native youth greatly.

This toolkit was created in generous partnership with the Indian Health Service. All content and materials within this toolkit are free for download and distribution.

Posted: August 30, 2016

National Indian Health Board and Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board Meet to Discuss New Strategies to Improve Health Systems for American Indians and Alaska Natives

RAPID CITY, SD - Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board (GPTCHB) met in a historic joint meeting to discuss Health Systems Improvement for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The meeting was called after a series of reports by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found that certain facilities in the Great Plains Area of the Indian Health Service (IHS) are providing substandard care and failing to live up to the federal trust responsibility for health. Specific topics covered included how to increase the number of Native physicians in the workforce, ways to restructure the IHS in the Great Plains Area, increasing funding to the IHS, moving from direct service models to self-governance models of healthcare and ways to leverage existing relationships and federal Tribal advisory committees like the Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee to get additional federal resources to Tribes...

Posted: August 3, 2016

IHS Issues Multiple 'Dear Tribal Leader Letters' initiating Tribal Consultation on Several Initiatives

On July 29th, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released several 'Dear Tribal Leader Letters' updating Tribes on several Tribal consultation opportunities regarding recent policy proposals put forth by IHS.

First, IHS has extended the consultation period for its Tribal Premium Sponsorship Draft Circular. Tribal Premium Sponsorship occurs when a Tribe pays health insurance premiums on behalf of its IHS eligible members. By enrolling members in health insurance, it increases third party revenue to the IHS/Tribal facility which allows them to extend the services that they provide. Tribes have until October 31, 2016 to provide comment on this draft circular. In addition, an in-person Tribal consultation opportunity will be available at NIHB’s National Tribal Health Conference on September 19, 2016...

Read More (PDF)

Posted: July 18, 2016

NIHB Advocates for Continued Partnership and More Tribal Input to Improve Indian Health

On July 12, 2016, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) testified on behalf of all 567 federally recognized Tribes in a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resource Committee's Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs. The legislative hearing was held on H.R. 5406, the "Helping Ensure Accountability, Leadership, and Trust in Tribal Healthcare (HEALTTH) Act", recently proposed by Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD). The HEALTTH Act is just one of several recent pieces of legislation that aim to address the longstanding, systemic issues within the IHS that have led to crisis situations - especially, in the Great Plains Service Area. In the last year, several hospitals in this region have lost, (or received threats of revocation) their ability to bill Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) due to the failure of federally run sites to comply with basic safety and regulatory procedures...

Posted: July 7, 2016

Creating a National Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program

On June 1, 2016, IHS initiated tribal consultation through a Dear Tribal Leader Letter and a draft policy statement titled, "Creating a National Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program." A national Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) would increase access to quality health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives through the expansion of community health aides at facilities operated by tribes and the Indian Health Service (IHS), including administrative requirements, such as the creation of a national certification board. To assist tribes with developing thoughtful comments, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in partnership with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) developed a Briefing Paper to provide some background information on the CHAP program and some preliminary ideas on what to include in any comments that tribes might submit. On July 7, NIHB and NPAIHB held a tribal-only call to solicit initial feedback on IHS’ proposal and answer any questions.

On July 15, NIHB will provide tribes with another opportunity to learn more about the CHAP program and its success in Alaska through a webinar from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. eastern. The purpose of the webinar will be to provide a more comprehensive overview of the CHAP program and answer any remaining questions that tribes might have.

Agenda:

Welcome & Purpose of the Webinar: Devin Delrow, Director of Federal Relations at the National Indian Health Board
CHAP Overview in Alaska: Dr. Robert Onders, Medical Director Health Systems and Community Services at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Review How the Program Can Be Replicated: Christina Peters, Oral Health Director at NPAIHB
Questions: All presenters

WEBINAR REGISTRATION LINK:

https://kauffmaninc.adobeconnect.com/wkkf20160715/event/registration.html

For more information on joining the webinar, please contact Sarah Freeman at [email protected]

Posted: July 7, 2016

NIHB Advances 17 Tribal Recommendations During Senate Committee Field Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: During the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) oversight field hearing on Friday, June 17, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) put forth 17 recommendations for improvement of the Indian health system. The hearing, "Improving Accountability and Quality of Care at the Indian Health Service Through S. 2953", focused on legislation proposed by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Committee, and Senator John Thune (R-SD), titled the Indian Health Service Accountability Act of 2016...

Posted: June 29, 2016

NIHB and NPAIHB Tribal Only Call on the Creation of National IHS Community Health Aide Program (CHAP)

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 than July 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. Please contact Devin Delrow ([email protected]) for call-in information.

Posted: June 2, 2016

Tribal Exemption from Employer Mandate

The Tribal Employment and Jobs Protection Act (H.R. 3080) was considered in a Full Committee Markup of the U.S. House of Representatives House Ways and Means Committee:
H.R. 3080 was reported favorably by the Committee on a vote of 24 (yes) - 13 (no)

This legislation, introduced by Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD), seeks to exempt Tribes and Tribal employers from the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). It would prevent fines that Tribal employers would incur under the employer mandate and ensure that the U.S. federal government lives up to its trust responsibility to federally recognized Tribes.

As the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said today in his opening statement, "Congresswoman Noem's legislation brings relief from Obamacare's employer mandate to Tribally owned businesses...by advancing these bills today, we can demonstrate that we are serious about addressing major challenges in child welfare and health care."

The legislation will now move to be considered by the full House of Representatives. NIHB will continue to monitor and provide updates on this important legislation. If you have questions or feedback regarding this issue, please contact Mr. Devin Delrow, NIHB Director of Federal Relations, at (202)-507-4070 or [email protected].

Posted: June 2, 2016

Indian Health Service Seeking Tribal Consultation on the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF) Proposed Rule

Yesterday, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter to provide an update on the proposed rule for the Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund (CHEF). Several Tribes and Tribal Organizations, including the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), submitted comments and expressed concerns about the provisions and requested Tribal consultation before finalizing the rule. In response, IHS is listening to Tribes and will not move forward with the proposed rule until Tribal consultation has taken place, which will include two telephone consultation sessions and an in-person consultation session at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention scheduled for October 9-14, in Phoenix, Arizona...

Posted: June 1, 2016

Indian Health Service Seeking Tribal Consultation on Draft Policy to Expand Community Health Aide Program

Today the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader letter requesting Tribal Consultation on a draft policy statement detailing the planned national expansion of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP, including the creation of a national certification board.

The national expansion of the CHAP would mean an increase in paraprofessionals and workers providing services for health education, communicable disease control, maternal and child health, dental health, behavioral health, family planning, and environmental health. Community health aide is an encompassing term that includes behavioral health aides, nursing aides, and dental health aides. Many Tribal communities are likely familiar with a community health aide program already in place: the IHS Community Health Representative (CHR) program. The CHR deploys trained and medically guided health care workers that provide medical services, including health education, case management, patient transport, and patient advocacy.

Tribal communities in Alaska also benefit from the Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) program, which brings dental education and routine dental services to rural Alaska Native communities. DHATs provide dental services to 40,000 Alaska Native people since 2004. Many rural Alaskan Native villages also have Community Health Aides (CHA). CHAs serve as a primary provider for many individuals, providing emergency first aid, patient examinations and follow-ups in conjunction with the treating physician, and carrying out treatment recommendations, education and instruction, and conducting preventive health programs. Behavioral Health Aides (BHA) work within Tribal communities to address behavioral health needs, including substance abuse and mental health problems. BHAs address these needs by serving as counselors, health educators, and advocates.

With a low access to care in many Tribal communities and tremendous success in existing programs, the Indian Health Service is committed to expanding the Community Health Aide Program. In the draft policy statement Mary Smith, Principal Deputy Director of the IHS, states, "Not only do CHAPs contribute to the overall health care team, but the additional advanced training they receive often leads to improved health and quality of life for the communities they serve. CHAPs are proven partners in health, and the IHS is committed to seeing them expand outside of the State of Alaska."

In the coming weeks, NIHB will be reaching out to Tribes and Tribal organizations for their input on what they would like to see in the policy. Based on this input, NIHB will create a template comment and briefing memo for Tribes to use in submitting their own comments. If you would like a copy of these materials or more information, please contact NIHB’s Director of Federal Relations, Devin Delrow at 202-507-4072 or [email protected].

Comments are due to IHS on Friday, July 29, 2016.

Comments may be submitted to [email protected], with the subject IHS Expansion of Community Health Aide Program Draft Policy Statement Consultation.

Mail your comments to:
Alec Thundercloud, M.D.
Director, Office of Clinical and Preventive Service
Indian Health Service
5600 Fishers Lane Mail Stop: 08N34-A
Rockville, MD 20857
ATTN: IHS Expansion of Community Health Aide Program Draft Policy Statement Consultation

Posted: May 6, 2016

Tax Season is Over – It’s Time for a PTC Check-up

While you may be tempted to forget all about your taxes and your premium tax credit once you’ve filed your tax return, don’t give in to that temptation.

When you applied for assistance to help pay the premiums for 2016 health coverage through the Marketplace, the Marketplace estimated the amount of your premium tax credit. Advance payments are based on an estimate of the premium tax credit that you will claim on your federal income tax return. You may be receiving the benefit of monthly advance payments to lower what you pay out-of-pocket for your monthly premiums. Doing a PTC check-up now will help you avoid large differences between the advance credit payments made on your behalf and the amount of the premium tax credit you are allowed when you file your tax return next year...

Posted: May 5, 2016

OUTREACH NEEDED: Congressional Sign-on Letter for Zika Funding to Tribal Communities

Dear Tribal Leaders, Tribal members and Advocates:

We encourage you to contact your Representatives to urge them to sign onto a letter requesting that Tribes be included in any supplemental funding for Zika virus mitigation. The closing date for the letter is Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

The incidence of the Zika virus is reaching high levels in certain areas close to the United States. The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito and has been found recently in areas of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Zika in pregnant women is thought to be associated with microcephaly in infants which is a sign that the baby is born with a smaller brain which can result in medical programs and impaired development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Zika inflected mosquitos could reach the lower part of the United States in 2016, and there are efforts underway to ensure that communities in the United States can accurately respond to the disease...

Posted: April 25, 2016

Treasury Consultation Call with Tribes on the ACA Employer Mandate - May 13, 2016

On Friday, May 13, 2016 at 3:00PM EDT the U.S. Department of Treasury will be holding a Tribal consultation conference call on the Affordable Care Act Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions. The purpose of the consultation call is to engage Tribal leaders and their representatives in government-to-government consultation on the application of the employer shared responsibility provisions of the ACA to Tribal employees.

Date: Friday, May 13, 2016
Time: 3:00PM EDT
Call-In Number: 888-390-0682
Passcode: 6432

For more information on the ACA Employer Mandate or the Tribal consultation call with Treasury, please feel free to contact Devin Delrow, NIHB Director of Federal Relations at [email protected] or 202-507-4072.

Posted: April 25, 2016

The 2014 SDPI Report to Congress is Now Available!

The 2014 Report to Congress highlights the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) ongoing and outstanding accomplishments in improving the quality of diabetes care and health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. The report is published by the Indian Health Service and is available on the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention website...

Posted: April 18, 2016

IHS Releases Draft Contract Support Costs Policy - Initiates 60-Day Tribal Consultation

The Indian Health Service Principal Deputy Director issued a letter to Tribal leaders on April 11 to open a 60-day Tribal Consultation with Tribes and Tribal Organizations to consult on the IHS Contract Support Costs (CSC) Policy...

Posted: April 18, 2016

Help Support Enactment of Zika Virus Funding and Request Direct Funding to Tribes

The incidence of the Zika virus reaching high levels in certain areas close to the United States. The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito and has been found recently in areas of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Zika in pregnant women is thought to be associated with microcephaly in infants which is a sign that the baby is born with a smaller brain which can result in medical programs and impaired development. CDC estimates that Zika inflected mosquitos could reach the lower part of the United States in 2016, and there are efforts underway to ensure that communities in the United States can accurately respond to the disease...

Posted: March 30, 2016

Disease Prevention and Control Highlighted in CDC Hearing

Last week, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Thomas Frieden, appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies. This subcommittee provides annual funding for most HHS agencies (besides the Indian Health Service).

During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), asked Dr. Frieden what the CDC is doing to support issues on a wide range of public health issues in Indian Country such as suicide, motor vehicle accidents, cancer, HIV and others. Dr. Frieden noted that CDC is proposing in its FY 2017 budget to strengthen capacity through the Tribal Epidemiology Centers and hopes to build on traditional practices that are healthy. He also discussed ways that CDC can support families and communities. In response, Chairman Cole said that CDC often works "directly with state and local health departments, and quite often Tribes do seem left out of that equation by states. So having federal involvement to make sure there is some equity in those communities ... I think is very important."...

Posted: March 22, 2016

NIHB testifies before House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

On Thursday, March 17, National Indian Health Board Secretary Lisa Elgin presented testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies on the FY 2017 Indian Health Service Budget (IHS). The testimony was delivered as part of the subcommittee's American Indian and Alaska Native public witness hearings which heard testimony from over 70 representatives from across Indian Country.

Ms. Elgin delivered the recommendations of the Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup for full funding of IHS at $30 billion, with a FY 2017 recommendation of $6.2 billion. She reiterated the Workgroup's top priorities of Purchased/Referred Care; Hospitals & Clinics; Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services; Mental Health; and Dental Services...

Posted: March 22, 2016

IHS implementing new regulation to cap payment rates at a "Medicare-Like rate"

On Friday, March 18, 2016, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced that it will be implementing a new regulation that gives IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian health programs (I/T/Us) the ability to cap payment rates at a "Medicare-Like rate" to physician and other non-hospital providers and suppliers who provide services through the Purchase and Referred Care (PRC formally CHS) program. The final “Medicare-Like rate” rule can be accessed here.

The new rule says that I/T/Us can negotiate with certain Indian health care providers, who provide services through Purchased and Referred Care (PRC), for payment at Medicare-like rates. This is good news because for years, IHS and Tribal healthcare programs paid higher payment rates than private health insurers and other Federal programs, such as Medicare and the Veterans Health Administration. The proposed rule is an opt-in and not a requirement, which gives I/Ts more flexibility. This is in recognition of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination as Tribes have the right to negotiate with providers and determine how best to meet the needs of their community when providing health care. This flexibility means that in some individual cases, it is better for I/Ts to be able to negotiate higher rates than what Medicare provides. However the ability to negotiate higher rates for Tribally-operated facilities must be a reasonable pricing arrangement and in the best interest of the I/T.

IHS recognizes that this rule will have significant Tribal implications so in order to ensure that all concerns are taken into account, it will be implemented as a final rule with another 60 days for the public to provide comment on the rule. In addition, IHS will be conducting outreach and education to PRC administrators and participating providers and suppliers. NIHB will be discussing the new rule during its next Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Care Reform Policy Committee (MMPC) Monthly Call this upcoming Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2 PM EST. We encourage you to attend and participate.

For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to NIHB’s Director of Federal Relations, Devin Delrow at [email protected].

Posted: March 10, 2016

NIHB Sponsors Native Youth to Provide Remarks on Children's Mental Health in Indian Country

WASHINGTON, DC - On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was pleased to sponsor the participation of Wiyaka Little Spotted Horse in a Congressional Briefing on Native Children's Mental Health. The briefing was hosted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and co-hosted by NIHB, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; the Center for Native American Youth; and the School-Based Health Alliance...

Posted: February 26, 2016

CMS Issues 100 Percent Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Policy Update

On February 26, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter to states and Tribes providing guidance about an update to CMS policy regarding the circumstances in which 100 percent federal funding would be available for services furnished to Medicaid-eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) through facilities operated by the Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638. Through this letter, CMS is re-interpreting its payment policy with respect to services “received through” an IHS/Tribal facility, and is expanding the scope and nature of services that qualify for this matching rate. CMS will be holding an All Tribes’ Call to walk through the policy and provide time for questions and answers. NIHB will provide the call-in information as soon as it is available.

Dear State Health Official Letter (PDF)

Posted: February 10, 2016

President Releases FY 2017 Budget Request to Congress - Proposes $5.2 billion for IHS

On February 9, 2016, the President Released his FY 2017 Budget Request to Congress. This yearly process kicks off the annual budget process in Congress. Republican leaders in Congress have noted that this proposal will be considered "dead on arrival," as they consider many of the proposals contained in the budget to be too progressive. However, funding for Tribal programs, and especially Tribal health, continue to garner bipartisan support in Congress and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will advocate that many of the important policy and funding proposals that are specifically targeted to benefit Indian Country will remain in the final FY 2017 enacted budget...

Posted: February 5, 2016

NIHB Participates in Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Hearing and Listening Session

Committee Chairman Calls Unacceptable Indian Health Care in the Great Plains "Malpractice"

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) held an oversight hearing yesterday on "Re-examining the Substandard Quality of Indian Health Care in the Great Plains." Immediately following the oversight hearing, SCIA held a listening session on "Putting Patients First: Addressing Indian Country's Critical Concerns Regarding the Indian Health Service (IHS)." During the oversight hearing, there were ten U.S. Senators in attendance. The oversight hearing consisted of three panels before the SCIA designed to address all of the issues that plague the Indian health care system.

NIHB attended this hearing and participated in the listening session, calling IHS to account, but also calling on Congress to enact solutions that will ensure meaningful changes for Indian health. You can read the whole statement of NIHB's Board of Directors Member, Charles Headdress here....

Read Full Story

Posted: January 28, 2016

National Indian Health Board Calls for Indian Health Service Accountability and Creation of an Oversight Task Force

Washington, DC. In response to a health care delivery crisis among Tribes in the Great Plains, the National Indian Health Board’s Board of Directors unanimously approved resolutions to investigate, evaluate and offer reform strategies to the Indian Health Service (IHS). This move came in response to the reports by Members of the Omaha, Winnebago and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Tribal Councils attending the Board meeting, held January 20 and 21, 2016.

These tragedies include the preventable deaths of at least five Tribal members under the care of trained medical professionals at the IHS-operated hospitals in the Great Plains Area. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded its accreditation of the Winnebago-Omaha IHS hospital in July 2015, limiting the chronically under-funded hospital’s ability to bill for essential services. In November 2015, CMS notified the IHS that they would rescind the Rosebud Indian Hospital’s CMS accreditation, because they determined the hospital was not in compliance with regulatory requirements, and patient care was being severely impeded. IHS since submitted a satisfactory corrective Action Plan for the Rosebud Hospital, but the emergency room remains closed. Reports from across Indian Country confirm that poor quality of care at IHS facilities that prompted these CMS findings is not limited to the Great Plains Area. Several at the board meeting also shared their stories of how IHS care has negatively impacted them or their loved ones...

Read More (PDF)

Posted: January 26, 2016

Washington State Senator John McCoy calls for Washington State to adopt legislation allowing Tribes to hire dental therapists.

John McCoy - The Seattle Times

THE year I started legislative efforts to bring basic dental-care services to native communities, more than 1,800 Indian children were born in Washington state.

That was 2006. Ten years later, the data show us that at least 75 percent of these children already will have experienced tooth decay and many more have experienced pain or had infections.

Generations of native children before have faced the same barriers to oral health care. For too many, their introduction to oral hygiene was waiting in line to have teeth pulled if a dentist happened to be visiting the reservation...

Read Full Article

Posted: January 25, 2016

RESCHEDULED: Senate Hearing on Quality of Care issues in the Great Plains - Input Requested

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a hearing titled: "Reexamining the Substandard Quality of Indian Health Care in the Great Plains." Due to blizzard conditions in Washington, DC the hearing has been postponed to Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 2:15PM EST...

More Information

Posted: January 11, 2016

How Obamacare Will Cost Native American Tribes Millions of Dollars

The Daily Signal

Native American tribes are pushing back against a provision of Obamacare mandating that tribal governments provide health insurance to their employees. Tribal leaders say it’s a "misinterpretation" of the law that will cost millions of dollars.

When Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in 2009, lawmakers exempted Native Americans from the individual mandate, shielding them from having to pay a fine for not having insurance. Native Americans could, however, purchase health insurance on the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov, and have access to substantial tax credits, driving down the cost of their plans...

Read full article at dailysignal.com

Posted: January 6, 2016

Essential Community Provider (ECP) Petition Action Needed by January 8th

CMS has released an Essential Community Provider (ECP) Petition to collect more complete data from providers who qualify as an ECP and wish to appear on CMS's ECP list for the 2017 benefit year.

Indian health care providers (IHCPs) need to take action by 11:59 p.m. ET on January 8, 2016, to revise an existing entry or obtain placement on the list of ECPs maintained by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS ECP List) for benefit year 2017.

The ECP petition form is a web-based questionnaire that is available here. Please note if you are on the 2016 benefit year ECP list you still must update your information for the 2017 benefit year.

Qualified Health Plan (QHP) Issuers are required to include within their network, Essential Community Providers (ECPs) that serve their community members. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), QHP issuers are required to contract with at least 30 percent of the available ECPs in their service area.

HHS ECP Petition

Posted: January 4, 2016

Must read: This story about a grassroots movement to improve access to dental & why the American Dental Association is fighting it.

Dental health for the poor is a big problem in Washington state. Some see dental therapists — licensed professionals who can perform simple procedures — as a route to less expensive care. But the powerful state dentists association has thwarted efforts to allow the therapists...

Swinomish become first tribe in the Lower 48 to use dental therapists to address oral health crisis in Indian Country

SWINOMISH, Washington – Leading the effort to address the oral health crisis in Indian Country, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community on Monday became the first tribe in the Lower 48 states to employ a dental therapist to provide basic oral health services.

There are too few dentists in Indian Country," said Brian Cladoosby, Chairman of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. “We cannot stand by any longer and allow Native people to continue to suffer tooth decay at a rate three times the national average. We have developed a tribal approach to solve a tribal issue. This solution will help our people immediately address their oral health needs in ways that have not been possible until today.”

2015

Posted: December 17, 2015

Congress Unveils FY 2016 Omnibus Spending Agreement

On December 16, 2015, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees unveiled their final FY 2016 spending bill (H.R. 2029). The bipartisan agreement is expected to pass Congress by the weekend in order to avoid a government shutdown. The large spending bill will provide $1.15 trillion in discretionary appropriations to keep the federal government funded through September 30, 2016. This legislation contains annual discretionary appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and other federal programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Indian Health. Many of the health-related programs are unfortunately flat-funded or have nominal increases for FY 2016...

Posted: November 20, 2015

Cherokee Nation Public Health Director Highlights Public Health Needs of Indian Country on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - On November 18, 2015, the Congressional Public Health Caucus and the Coalition for Health Funding organized a briefing entitled "Public Health 101- Opportunity Lost: Struggles to Meet Health Demands in an Era of Austerity." The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was also a co-host of this event. During the briefing, panelists discussed how federal funding cuts have impacted health outcomes across the country. Among the panelists was Lisa Pivec, Senior Director of Public Health at the Cherokee Nation, who highlighted public health needs in Indian Country. NIHB was pleased to sponsor her participation in this event. Other panelists included Sandy Eskin, Pew Charitable Trusts; Jessica Hayes, Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association; Dr. Clarence Lam, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Dr. Benjamin Margolis, University of Michigan Medical School...

Posted: November 17, 2015

It's Native American ACA Week of Action!!

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will participate in several events this week in recognition of the Native American Affordable Care Act (ACA) week of Action. This week all American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are encouraged to learn more about the health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act. Many IHS, Tribal and urban Indian clinics will also be hosting outreach, education and enrollment events. Make sure to tell your family, friends and community members about the Affordable Care Act so that everyone is afforded the opportunity to improve their health...

Posted: November 17, 2015

NIHB and Other Tribal Organizations Send Letter to the American Dental Association Supporting DHATs

On Friday, November 12, the National Indian Health Board, Northwest Portland Area Health Board, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the National Congress of American Indians sent a letter to the American Dental Association (ADA) in response to a recent blog post by the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA). A few weeks ago, WSDA added a post to their website that that took aim at the Swinomish Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) project and generally at Indian Country's ability to act as sovereign nations with respect to providers on Tribal lands.

The WSDA post claimed that Tribes do not know how to access the dental industry and assumed that dental care provided by a DHAT is not of a highest standard. The Tribal organization letter disputed these claims by noting that, "Tribes will not accept anything less than a single, high standard of care for our citizens." The letter also emphasized the strong track record of DHATs in the United States and elsewhere around the world. You can view the whole letter and the original blog post here.

Posted: November 13, 2015

Discussion on Affordable Care Act Outreach and Education in Indian Country
Monday, November 16, 2015 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time

Please join Secretary Sylvia Burwell from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Raina Thiele from the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for a discussion on Affordable Care Act outreach and education in Indian Country. There will also be sharing from tribal and urban Indian communities on successful outreach and enrollment events across the country.

We anticipate time for questions about best practices to enroll your community in Insurance options.

DATE: November, 16 2015
TIME: 2:00 PM ET – 3:00 PM EST
Call: 888-945-5896
CODE: 5582547

Posted: November 13, 2015

Public Health 101 Congressional Briefing to Feature Cherokee Nation

On November 18, 2015, Congressional Public Health Caucus will sponsor a Congressional Briefing entitled "Public Health 101: Opportunity Lost: Struggles to Meet Health Demands in an Era of Austerity." The National Indian Health Board is a Co-Host of the briefing, along with other partner organizations including the Coalition for Health Funding.

The event will feature five panelists including Lisa Pivec the, Senior Director of Public Health at the Cherokee Nation. Ms. Pivec will discuss the role of public health in Indian Country and unique challenges that Tribes experience as they navigate jurisdictional competition and strive to find resources for public health programs.

When: November 18, 2015, 12:00PM- 1:30PM EST
Where: 2168 Rayburn House Office Building
RSVP: [email protected]
(Lunch will be provided)

For more information on the briefing click here.

Posted: November 9, 2015

Coming-up This Week:

The week of November 9th is Women’s Week of Action.

Wednesday, November 11 is Veterans Day – help us use this an opportunity to highlight how the ACA helps veterans and military families.
On Thursday, November 12, we expect release the first weekly Enrollment Snapshot.
On Thursday and Friday, November 12-13, Kevin Counihan will travel to Richmond, Virginia to meet with stakeholders and raise awareness around Open Enrollment.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! Looking ahead to the week of November 15, we’ll mark Native American Week of Action and Rural Health Week of Action.

Posted: November 5, 2015

Diabetes Awareness Month: A Time to Celebrate Successes!

November is American Diabetes Month! In an effort to raise awareness of this disease and its negative impacts on Indian Country the National Indian Health Board will be sharing Local Impact Stories and Diabetes Prevention Resources throughout the month to highlight the successes of one of the most comprehensive and effective diabetes treatment and prevention program in the U.S. - the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Today, we release three (3) new stories on the "Diabetes in Indian Country" website and a digital story created by Native youth on her experience with Type 1 diabetes:

The Mohegan Tribe: Chief Lynn Malerba
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians: SDPI Participant
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Cynthia Lambert
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska: Malia Delossantos

Please read, watch and share widely using #DiabetesAwarenessMonthSDPI! Have you or a loved one been affected by diabetes or the SDPI? Share your story with policymakers and key stakeholders here.

Posted: November 5, 2015

Bipartisan Budget Act Passes Congress, Work Moves to Appropriations Committee

On Monday, November 2, President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 into law. As NIHB reported last week, the deal would add an extra $80 billion to the federal discretionary budget in FYs 2016-2017. In FY 2016, non-defense discretionary spending (the funding that Congress appropriates every year) will see a $25 million increase beyond what is originally established.

Work now moves to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to craft a final appropriation for FY 2016. Congress must pass FY 2016 by December 11 when the current continuing resolution funding the government expires. IHS currently has $4.8 billion in both House and Senate draft Appropriations bills. Also contained in the draft appropriations bills is important language for Tribal behavioral health, Tribal Epidemiology Centers and Definition of Indian in the Affordable Care Act.

If you have any questions on the Bipartisan Budget Act or FY 2016 appropriations, please contact NIHB's Director of Congressional Relations, Caitrin Shuy, at [email protected] or (202) 507-4085.

Posted: October 30, 2015

Open Enrollment 3 (OE3) National Tribal Day of Action Rally Call!

Please join representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) for an Open Enrollment Kick-Off Call. The Open Enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins November 1, 2015 and ends January 31, 2016. Please join Mr. McSwain, Principal Deputy Director, IHS, Mary Smith, Deputy Director, IHS, and Geoffrey Roth, External Affairs, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, HHS, for a call to discuss important topics related to Open Enrollment and the Affordable Care Act for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

When: Monday, November 2nd at 12:00pm ET

Call In: 1-800-369-1837
Participant passcode: 7616818

For additional information about the Affordable Care Act and AI/AN please visit: www.healthcare.gov/tribal or www.ihs.gov/aca

Posted: October 30, 2015

Consumers will continue to find affordable options in the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2016

A new report detailing affordability and plan choice in the Health Insurance Marketplace finds that with applicable tax credits, more than 7 in 10 current Marketplace enrollees could find plans for $75 a month in premiums or less, and almost 8 in 10 could find plans for $100 a month in premiums or less.

Consumers who return to the Marketplace to comparison shop could save money. According to today’s report, more than 8 in 10 returning Marketplace consumers could save an average of about $50 per month and $610 annually in premiums before tax credits for the same level of coverage by returning to shop. If all consumers switched from their current plan to the lowest-cost premium plan in the same metal level, the total savings - to consumers and taxpayers (in premiums and tax credits) - would be $4.5 billion. In 2015, about one-third of consumers who reenrolled in a Marketplace plan switched to a new plan.

In addition, nearly 9 out of 10 returning consumers will be able to choose from 3 or more issuers for 2016 coverage. And on average, consumers can choose from plans sold by 5 issuers for 2016 coverage, just as they could for 2015 coverage. Previous research shows that price competition typically intensifying with three or more competitors in a market.

Read the full press release here.

The report can be found here.

Questions or Concerns? Contact [email protected].

Posted: October 22, 2015

HHS awards $2.2 billion in grants for HIV/AIDS care and medications

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced today that more than $2.2 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants was awarded in fiscal year (FY) 2015 to cities, states and local community-based organizations. This funding supports a coordinated and comprehensive system of care to ensure that more than half a million people living with and affected by HIV in the United States continue to have access to critical HIV health care, support services, and essential medications...

Posted: October 16, 2015

The Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF)

The Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) is a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although, it has been funding important public health activities in Indian Country, it is often targeted for elimination by some in Congress. NIHB helped provide background and information to some members of the Senate and make sure that they were aware how important this funding stream is to Indian Country, The Senate Democratic Caucus recently released a letter that was signed by nine senators that details the importance of the Public Health Prevention Fund (PPHF) to Indian Country.

Click here to read the letter.

Posted: October 16, 2015

10 million people expected to have Marketplace coverage at end of 2016

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced today that she expects 10 million individuals to be enrolled in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces and paying their premiums – so-called effectuated coverage – at the close of 2016. As part of that goal, HHS believes more than 1 out of every 4 uninsured Marketplace-eligible consumers will select plans during Open Enrollment.

Today, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) released a demographic analysis of the uninsured individuals who are likely eligible for Marketplace coverage, along with its methodology for estimating the number of individuals it expects to have effectuated Marketplace coverage at the end of 2016. According to the reports, nearly 8 in 10 of the approximately 10.5 million uninsured individuals likely to be eligible for qualified health plans (or the “QHP-eligible uninsured”) may be eligible for financial help through the Marketplaces...

Posted: October 15, 2015

HHS Awards More Than $240 Million to Expand the Primary Care Workforce

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell today announced more than $240 million – including about $176 million in Affordable Care Act funding – to support the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and NURSE Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs to increase access to primary health care in the communities that need it most.

"The most critical step in connecting people to quality health care is a primary care provider," said Secretary Burwell. "These awards provide financial support directly to health professionals, including physicians, registered nurses, and physician assistants, to help individuals -- particularly the 17.6 million uninsured who have recently gained coverage -- find the primary care services they need."...

Posted: October 5, 2015

Congress Likely to Pass Short-term Funding Extension for FY 2016

With the surprise resignation of House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) last week, it is expected that Congress will pass a short-term funding measure, known as a "continuing resolution" or "CR," to keep the federal government funded until December 11, 2015. Many conservative Members of Congress have argued for the stopgap measure to exclude funding for Planned Parenthood after a series of videos was released that allegedly show the organization illegally profiting from the sale of tissue from aborted fetuses. However, as of the time of this writing, it looks like efforts to derail the funding measure over the issue will not be successful. Congress is expected to clear the CR sometime on Wednesday, September 30, just hours before the end of the fiscal year.

If Congress does pass the CR, Congress must finalize the rest of FY 2016 appropriations by December 11. Many in Congress, on both sides of the aisle, are calling for a compromise that can raise the "caps" on spending set forth in the Budget Control Act of 2011. Without an agreement on higher spending levels, there could be the risk of devastating across-the-board sequestration cuts. Legislation has been introduced in both the House and the Senate to exempt Tribes from sequestration. You can click here to learn more about these bills.

Posted: September 1, 2015

Fishing, Cooking And A Yup'ik Upbringing Made Alaska's Health Commissioner

From npr.org

Valerie Davidson, Alaska's health and social services commissioner, drives her 1983 Chevy truck to pick up salmon for a dinner party for 50 people.
Annie Fiedt/Alaskan Public Media

In less than 24 hours, Valerie Davidson has 50 people coming to her house for dinner.

She had planned to catch and cook enough salmon for the main course. But early in the morning, Alaska opened the Kuskokwim River to commercial fishing, which means subsistence fishermen like her can't fish on it.

So Davidson and I are in her bright orange 1983 Chevy pickup stalking the "free fish" container where state biologists deposit their test catches after conducting studies after each high tide.

We have been here for an hour, but Davidson is patient and persistent. It's the same approach she used as Alaska's health and social services commissioner while working to expand Medicaid in the state...

Read full article

Posted: July 15, 2015

Historic White House Tribal Youth Gathering

On Thursday, July 9, the White House hosted the first White House Tribal Youth Gathering for over 1,000 Native Youth representing 230 Tribes from 42 states. Native youth leaders from across Indian Country engaged Cabinet officials, non-federal partners and an audience favorite - First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady assured everyone of the Administration's faith in today's Native youth by saying, "I know that you may have moments in your lives when you're filled with doubts, or you feel weighed down by history or stifled by your circumstances - every single one of your lives is precious and sacred, and each of you was put on this earth for a reason... you definitely have a President and a First Lady who have your back."

Posted: July 10, 2015

Director Named for the Midwest Area Tribal Health Board

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC), a program of Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC), is pleased to announce that Kara Schurman has been selected as the Director of the Midwest Area Tribal Health Board (MATHB). Though the new area wide Health Board was launched through the efforts of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes (MAST) about two years ago, a Health Board Director and administrative home was needed. Bemidji Area Tribal leaders have long recognized that other Indian Health Service Areas across the country have benefitted from their Health Boards in numerous ways to address long standing health issues...

Read More (PDF)

Posted: July 2, 2015

Using Innovative Models to Address Oral Health Needs in Indian Country

Today, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community announced steps it will be taking to bring an innovative mid-level dental provider model to its Nation.

National Indian Health Board Executive Director Stacy Bohlen applauded the Tribe's actions and shared, "Indian Country suffers from a severe shortage of dental care providers with many Tribal citizens going without regular and preventive care. Given these barriers to access, it is no surprise that American Indian and Alaska Native communities experience higher rates of disease than many segments of the general population. Today, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community took action to address the situation. We congratulate them on these steps, and we congratulate their Tribal citizens on what promises to be better oral health for all."

Posted: July 2, 2015

IHS Releases Dear Tribal Leader Letter Detailing Changes on SDPI Funding Distribution

On June 29, 2015, the Acting Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Mr. Robert McSwain, issued a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) and an Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter (UIOLL) regarding the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) FY 2016 funding distribution and formula.

SDPI is now entering its 19th year of providing diabetes treatment and prevention to hundreds of programs across Indian Country. After conducting a nationwide Tribal Consultation period March 19-April 20, 2015, and meeting with the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC) in May, the IHS Acting Director has made the following decisions for SDPI FY 2016...

Posted: July 2, 2015

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Holds Hearing on Youth Suicide

On Wednesday, June 24, 2015, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing entitled "Demanding an End to Native Youth Suicides." The Committee was seeking information and answers on how Congress might be able to act in order to end the prevalence of youth suicide in Indian Country. During this hearing, the Committee heard from representatives from Indian Country and the Indian Health Service (IHS). The witnesses included: Acting Director for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Robert McSwain, Oglala Sioux Tribe Councilman Collins "C.J." Clifford, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr., and Stanford Professor Dr. Teresa D. LaFromboise. The National Indian Health Board also submitted testimony...

Posted: June 24, 2015

MSPI/DVPI Dear Tribal Leader Letter Released

Acting Indian Health Service Director Robert McSwain writes to Tribes to provide an update on how the IHS will move forward with Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) programs over the next five years.

Read Dear Tribal Leader Letter (PDF)

Posted: June 10, 2015

CDC Newsletter summary

CDC’s latest addition to its Public Health Practice Stories from the Field describes how pharmacists on the Yakama Nation Reservation in Washington are helping improve the health of patients with diabetes. The pharmacists help patients manage their diabetes and stay current on lab tests and health checks, thus easing the workload of overburdened primary care providers. Patients who are enrolled in the program are more than twice as likely to have their glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control as nonenrolled patients. Read Pharmacists Help Improve Health of Yakama Indians Living with Diabetes to find out how Yakama achieved this success.

Public Health Practice Stories from the Field is a collection of stories showcasing success and innovation in public health practice by state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health agencies. The stories are featured on the STLT Gateway, a web portal for STLT health professionals created by CDC’s Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support. You might also be interested in these other stories promoting heart health: Clinic Takes Team Approach to Controlling Hypertension in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, Public Health and Primary Care Partner in South Carolina to Address Cardiovascular Health, Schenectady County Program Lowers Sodium in Menu Items for Seniors, and Sodium Reduction Campaign Encourages Healthy Choices Among Consumers.

Posted - June 4, 2015

Dental Health Aide Therapist Program Recognized with Award from the Indian Health Service

WASHINGTON, DC--June 3, 2015--On May 29, 2015, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) Program was recognized with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Director's award for 2014 for its innovative public health and clinical strategies to provide quality dental care to Alaska Native communities.

The IHS Director's Award recognizes individuals or teams whose service significantly advances the Indian Health Service's mission and goals. The Dental Health Aide Therapist Program received an award for its "innovation, perseverance and leadership in improving access to safe and culturally competent dental care and addressing the significant oral health disparities across the Indian Health Service Areas."...

Posted - June 4, 2015

NIHB Board Member Andy Joseph, Jr. Honored with Prestigious Director's Award from the Indian Health Service

WASHINGTON, DC--June 3, 2015--On May 29, 2015, the Indian Health Service (IHS) Acting Director Robert McSwain presented long-time National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board Member Andy Joseph, Jr. with the 2014 IHS Director's Special Recognition Award for his significant contributions and unwavering leadership to advancing the health agenda in Indian Country.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this award from the Indian Health Service. Through my many years and work on the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and the National Indian Health Board, I have witnessed many struggles in Indian health but also many victories. The work that Tribal health professionals do across the country is needed to keep our Peoples healthy and strong, and I'm thankful that the work is recognized," said Mr. Joseph, who is in his fifth term on the Confederated Tribes of Colville Tribal Council representing the Nespelem District...

Posted - May 6, 2015

A Toolkit: Five Fast Facts about the ACA for Native Youth

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs joined forces to create Affordable Care Act (ACA) educational materials specifically for the Native youth population. The materials, highlighting the Fast Five Facts that Native youth need to know about the ACA, include three Public Service Announcements (PSAs), a poster and brochure. All materials are available for immediate download at NIHB's Tribal Health Reform Resource Center website. Tribes, Tribal organizations, I/T/Us, and other ACA stakeholders are encouraged to use the materials in their communities to help educate and empower youth, so that they in turn, can share information about the ACA with their families.

The Five Fast Facts that Native youth need to know about the Affordable Care Act are:

They can be added to or kept on their parent or guardian's health insurance until they turn 26 years old.
They will be covered for prevention screenings for STDs, HIV, pregnancy, depression and diabetes.
Their additional coverage will allow them to receive services outside of the Indian Health Service.
Medicaid may be an additional option for health coverage.
Their parents can file an exemption from the tax penalty for them.

For more information, contact Francys Crevier, NIHB Tribal Health Care Reform Education and Outreach Program Coordinator, at 202-507-4082 or [email protected].

Posted - April 23, 2015

National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Elevates Native Health Issues at the Department of Health and Human Services

House Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on American Indian/Alaska Native Priorities

WASHINGTON DC - On April 23, 2015, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a Budget Hearing on Programs Serving Native Americans. This subcommittee is responsible for allocating annual funding for agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (with the exception of the Indian Health Service (IHS) which receives funding from the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subocmmittee) and the Departments of Education, Labor and related agencies. The hearing represented a historic opportunity for Tribal advocates to describe challenges that Indian Country faces when it comes to accessing federal programs at HHS and other federal agencies...

Read Full Story

Posted - April 21, 2015

Funding Opportunity: Navigator Grants

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a funding opportunity for organizations and individuals to operate as Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFMs), including State Partnership Marketplaces (SPMs). As they have done over the past two years, and as they are doing now, Navigators will assist consumers in various ways, including providing information about available coverage options through the Marketplace during open enrollment.

Navigators have been an important resource for the millions of Americans who enrolled in coverage over the past two years. This funding announcement ensures this important work will continue over the next three years in states with a FFM, including during Marketplace open enrollment periods. Applications are due on June 15, 2015. For more information about the grant opportunity click here.

Posted - April 16, 2015

Special Diabetes Program for Indians Two Year Renewal Clears Congress

Last night, the U.S. Senate passed a two (2) year renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). The renewal was contained in a larger bill called: "H.R. 2 - The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015." The measure was passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 92-8. This follows action by the U.S. House of Representatives on March 26, 2015, which also passed the legislation by a bipartisan vote. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law...

Posted - April 15, 2015

HHS announces $1 million in new grant programs to help improve sharing of health information

Projects to help long-term and behavioral health care providers

National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Karen B. DeSalvo, M.D., M.P.H., M.Sc., announced today the availability of $1 million in grant funds to support community projects for the Community Interoperability Health Information Exchange (HIE) Program. The funding will help support and enable the flow of health information at the community level, leading to better care and better health.

NIHB would like to thank the following sponsors who gave so generously to make the 2015 Tribal Public Health Summit the largest to date

	California Rural Indian Health Board
	Centene Corporation
	The Pew Children's Dental Campaign

Posted - February 26, 2015

Special Enrollment Period for Tax Season

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a special enrollment period (SEP) for individuals and families who did not have health coverage in 2014 and are subject to the fee or "shared responsibility payment" when they file their 2014 taxes in states which use the Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM). Between March 15th and April 30th, those individuals and families who were unaware or did not understand the implications of this new requirement, can enroll in 2015 health insurance coverage through the FFM.

Enrolled members of federal recognized Tribes, including shareholders of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporations, are eligible for enrollment on a monthly basis and do not need to wait for the SEP. Others eligible for services from an Indian Health Care Provider (Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal or Urban Indian program) can enroll in this SEP.

This year's tax season is the first time individuals and families will be asked to provide basic information regarding their health coverage on their tax returns. However, those individuals who are members of federally recognized Tribes and shareholders of ANCSA corporations, as well as those who are eligible for services through an Indian health care provider, including IHS, can receive an exemption for 2014. There are two ways to apply for an exemption: by submitting an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace or claiming an exemption on the 8965 Tax Form.

Failure to claim an exemption and not having health coverage in 2014 will result in a fee - $95 per adult or 1 percent of their income, whichever is greater - when they file their taxes this year. The fee increases to $325 per adult or 2% of income for 2015.

Posted - February 10, 2015

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux Named Senior Advisor to Secretary Burwell

This morning, HHS Secretary Burwell announced that Acting IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH, will immediately begin serving as Senior Advisor to Secretary Burwell on American Indians and Alaska Natives. Robert McSwain will serve as Acting Director of IHS, effective immediately. The move comes as a result of Appropriations Act rules limiting the time that a nominee may serve in an “Acting” position. The Administration will resubmit Dr. Roubideaux’s nomination to serve as IHS Director.

To read the announcement from Secretary Burwell, CLICK HERE (PDF).

Posted - February 10, 2015

Tribal Leaders Visit Capitol Hill in Support of SDPI

Tribal leaders took to Capitol Hill on February 3, 2015 to provide outreach and education to Congress on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). Over 15 individuals participated in visits to 9 Congressional offices. The group met with members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and included representatives from Cowlitz Indian Tribe; Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians; Navajo Nation; Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Pueblo of Zuni; Astariwi Band of Pit River Indians; the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; and the Tohono O'Odham Nation.

SDPI will expire on September 30, 2015, unless Congress acts. The legislation that typically serves as the legislative vehicle for SDPI, the Sustainable Growth Rate Fix (aka the "Doc Fix"), which governs the rates physicians are paid by Medicare, expires on March 31 2015. It is still unclear if Congress will find a way to pay for the overall bill which is estimated to cost over $150 billion. If there needs to be another short-term patch for the Doc Fix Tribes are asking that SDPI be included in that reauthorization.

Please visit www.nihb.org/sdpi for more information on how you can be involved in SDPI renewal for 2015!

Posted - February 6, 2015

Funding Opportunity

Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) released two new Notices of Funding Availability in the Senior Corps Foster Grandparent (FGP) and Senior Companion (SCP) programs. These competitions are open to federally-recognized Indian Tribes, including current tribal grantees. With these notices, CNCS intends to fund successful applicants that increase the impact of national service in Native American and Alaska native communities not currently served by FGP or SCP grantees.

For more information, please click here.

Posted - January 29, 2015

"Our People continue to live sicker and die younger than other Americans," said the National Indian Health Board before Senate Committee on Indian Affairs January 28th Hearing - highlighting Native American priorities for the 114th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, January 28, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held its first hearing during the 114th Congress to gain an overview of American Indian and Alaska Native priority issues. National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Executive Director Stacy A. Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa) testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in an oversight hearing to explore "Indian Country Priorities for the 114th Congress."

Read Full Media Release

Posted - January 28, 2015

NIHB Invites You to Attend Upcoming Data Symposium

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will be presenting a Data Symposium at the National Museum of the of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, February 19th, 2015. The Data Symposium will feature the latest data on key priorities in the delivery of healthcare services across Indian Country.

Tribal leaders, representatives, and their staff are invited to attend the daylong event that follows the Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) Face-to-Face meeting the day before. Notable topics for the Symposium include updates on the changes in American Indian and Alaska Native Medicaid enrollment and payment, IHS updates on the diabetes and Medicare payments, CMS information on Medicare payment adjustments, federal and state marketplace and qualified health plan enrollment, and more.

The National Indian Health Board highly encourages Tribal leaders and staff to attend this rare event. For more information, please contact Devin Delrow at [email protected].

Posted - January 21, 2015

Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Minority Health (OMH), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment as a member of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health (hereafter referred to as the ''Committee or ACMH'')

The current and impending vacancies on the ACMH impact the representation for the health interests of American Indians and Alaska Natives and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. OMH is particularly seeking nominations for individuals who can represent the health interests of these racial and ethnic minority groups.

Click here to learn more.

Posted - January 21, 2015

CDC Releases Report on Disease Incidence in AI/AN Communities

According to new data published in today's MMWR, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experienced higher rates of new infections than non-Hispanic white (NHW) populations in 14 of 26 reportable infectious diseases during 2007-2011. Although incidence rates of some infectious diseases have declined in AI/AN populations, disparities between groups remain.

CDC analyzed data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System that collects reports on nationally notifiable diseases in the United States and its territories. Interventions are needed to reduce disparities in chlamydia, gonorrhea, West Nile virus, spotted fever rickettsiosis, and other infections among AI/AN and NHW populations.

Click here to read the report.

Posted - January 20, 2015

Legislation Introduced to provide for Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service

On Wednesday, January 14, Congressman Don Young (R-AK) introduced H.R. 395 which would provide for Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Tribes and Tribal organizations have been supporting this change in the way IHS is funded in order to achieve better stability in how our health care is funded.

Advanced appropriations would mean Tribal and IHS facilities would know their funding levels one year in advance, but the funds would not be drawn down until the year in which it was spent. Congress uses a similar funding procedure for the Veterans' Health Administration. Advance appropriations would allow Indian health programs to effectively and efficiently manage budgets, coordinate care, and improve health quality outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

But in order to see this legislation enacted, we will need help from you! NIHB and its partners are encouraging Tribes to pass resolutions and send letters to Congress in support of this important issue in order to demonstrate widespread support in Indian Country. We are also encouraging you to share your story on how funding delays have impacted health care delivery at your Tribe. Click here to learn more.

Posted - January 16, 2015

Please join Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, the Acting Director for the Indian Health Service (IHS), for an IHS update by teleconference on Thursday, January 22 at 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern.

DIAL-IN NUMBER:
1-888-972-9685

PASSCODE:
6859238

ADOBE CONNECT:
http://ihs.adobeconnect.com/ihsalltribes/

Note: This call is off the record and not for press purposes. Please dial in 5-10 minutes early to avoid any delays in joining the call.

2014

Posted - December 18, 2014

CMS Issues Proposed Rule Regarding Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2016

On November 26th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, (CMS) issued a proposed rule, "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2016," that announced a number of new benefits for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). In the proposed rule, CMS is establishing a requirement for Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers to prepare a summary of Benefits and Coverage for each plan variation that they offered.

This is beneficial to AI/ANs who will be better able to compare plans and fully understand the type of coverage that is available to them. In addition the proposed rule will also urge QHPs to offer contracts to all Indian health care providers in their network and to include all the special terms and conditions under Federal law pertaining to Indian Health Care Providers, otherwise referred to as the "Indian Addendum." These proposed changes are a direct result of NIHB's advocacy efforts in these areas. NIHB applauds CMS for making these proposed changes but will continue to advocate that the inclusion of the "Indian Addendum" be a mandatory requirement.

Comments are due on December 22, 2014. NIHB and the Tribal Technical Advisory Group to CMS (TTAG) are in the process of constructing comments for this proposed rule. For more information or a copy of NIHB's comments, please contact Devin Delrow at 202-507-4072 or at [email protected].

Posted - December 18, 2014

Congress Passes FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

On Saturday, December 13, the U.S. Senate cleared an omnibus appropriations package that will keep the majority of the federal government (including the Indian Health Service) funded through September 30, 2015. The final vote on the legislation was 56-40. In the Senate, 31 Democrats and 24 Republicans, majorities for both parties, supported it.

Specifically, the provisions for Indian Health Service Include:

$4.6 billion in FY 2015. This is $208 million above the FY 2014 level.
$4.2 billion is provided for services
$460.2 million for facilities
$914 million for Purchased/ Referred Care (formerly known as Contract Health Services) This is a $35 million increase from FY 2014.
$663 million for Contract Support Costs (CSC). This amount includes increased CSC for FY 2015 but also funds to repay other budget line items which were reprogrammed to cover the FY 2014 CSC shortfall.
Please stay tuned to NIHB in the coming days for specific details on the FY 2015 Indian Health Service budget.

Posted - December 17, 2014

Congress Repeals Section 910 of the Violence Against Women Act

On December 11, Congress passed S. 1474 which repeals Section 910 of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This provision prohibited Alaska Tribes from exercising Special Domestic Violence Jurisdiction over non-Indian domestic violence offenders. This action is a major victory for Alaska Native Tribes.

Last year, the Indian Law and Order Commission, a bipartisan advisory board, called the Alaska exemption "unconscionable".

Posted - December 10, 2014

Congress Releases FY 2015 Spending Bill - IHS funded at $4.6 billion

Last night, Congress unveiled a $1.1 trillion spending bill that will keep most of the federal government funded through September 30, 2015. The Department of Homeland Security has funding only until February 27, 2015 so that action might be taken by the Republican Congress early next year to counter the President's recent actions on immigration.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) will receive a total of $4.6 billion in FY 2015. This is $208 million above the FY 2014 level. Within this, $4.2 billion is provided for services and $460.2 million for facilities...

Posted - December 10, 2014

HHS Releases a Proposed Rule for Medicare Like Rates for Purchased / Referred Care

On Friday, December 5, 2014, Department of Health and Human Services released a proposed rule on a Medicare Like Rate for non-hospital services. This proposed rule would amend Indian Health Service (IHS) Purchased and Referred Care (PRC), (formerly known as the Contract Health Services) regulations to apply Medicare payment methodologies to all physician and other health care professional services and non-hospital-based services. (IHS referrals currently use a Medicare Like Rate for hospital-based services.)

Specifically, it proposes that the health programs operated by IHS, Tribe, Tribal organization, or urban Indian organization (collectively, I/T/U programs) will pay the lowest of the amount provided for under the applicable Medicare fee schedule, prospective payment system, or Medicare waiver; the amount negotiated by a repricing agent, if available; or the usual and customary billing rate...

From NPR.org - November 18, 2014

Native Americans Urged To Sign Up For Private Insurance

The second round of buying health insurance on the Affordable Care Act exchanges has started. Health officials say Native Americans may have much to gain by buying insurance there.

Read Full Article at NPR.org

Posted - November 16, 2014

Post Election, Still Little Clarity on FY 2015 Appropriations

On Tuesday, November 4, the United States voters chose to make a change in who controls the US Senate and the margin by which the House of Representatives is controlled. In the Senate, Republicans gained several seats; they will now control the body by a 53 to 46 margin (In Louisiana, candidates will have a runoff election on December 6). In the House of Representatives, Republicans netted a gain of 13 seats; the breakdown of that Chamber is 244-184 with a few races still undecided. Click here for a full tally of election results by State and Congressional District.

Congress will return this week and begin considering the top leadership and committee positions for next Congress. They will also be looking at emergency funding for the Ebola crisis and continuing behind-the-scenes work on the FY 2015 spending package.

A path forward on FY 2015 Appropriations is still not clear. Many in Congressional Leadership on both sides of the aisle are arguing that FY 2015 appropriations should be completed in a single "omnibus" appropriations bill by December 11. This is the day when the current continuing resolution (CR) will expire. Others, however, are calling for Congress to put off this decision until January or early February and enact another CR. Still others, have said that Congress may choose to enact a full-year CR which would keep FY 2015 spending at FY 2014 levels.

Passing full-year appropriations would be more beneficial for the IHS/ Tribal and Urban health programs because they would be able to operate with knowledge of their budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. An omnibus would also ensure that current spending priorities are funded at needed amounts. One example of this is in Contract Support Costs (CSC) where IHS had to cut $25.1 million at the end of the year from other programs in order to fill unmet CSC need.

If you have any questions about the FY 2015 Budget, please contact NIHB's Director of Congressional Relations, Caitrin Shuy, at [email protected] or (202) 507-4085.

Posted - November 16, 2014

US Supreme Court to Hear Case on Affordable Care Act Tax Credits

On November 7, 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, King v. Burwell, a case that could determine whether the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains in its current form. The case centers on the question of whether premium tax credits should only be available in state-based marketplaces, and not federally-facilitated marketplace. Currently, they are available in both. This past July, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled that the tax credits only applied to state- based exchanges and not federally-facilitated marketplace. However, the D.C. Circuit agreed to rehear the same case en banc (reviewed by the entire panel of judges who sit on the D.C. Circuit) in December. It surprised many when the Supreme Court agreed to hear this case before the D.C. Circuit could issue a new opinion.

The ACA provides a federal tax credit to low and middle income Americans to offset the cost of insurance policies purchased through the marketplace. The marketplaces advance an individual's eligible tax credit dollars directly to health insurance providers as a means of reducing the upfront cost of plans to consumers. The ACA gives primary responsibility for establishing the marketplaces to individual states. If a state does not create its own marketplace, the federal government, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), establishes and operates the marketplace within the state. The Supreme Court will now hear the issue to determine whether this is authorized under the law.

King v. Burwell does not threaten the Indian Health Care Improvement Act but it may mean significant changes to the other parts of the ACA, especially the premium tax credit. Given the fact that nearly 5 million people have already received subsidies through the federally-facilitated marketplace, the Court will likely defer to Congress to fix the error. Since the Court won't likely hear the case until sometime in the spring, there is time to strategize how we can best ensure the Indian-specific provisions are protected.

NIHB will keep you updated as this case develops. For further information or if you have any questions, please contact Devin Delrow at [email protected] or (202) 507-4072.

Posted - November 14, 2014

The National Indian Health Board has prepared an election results update with insight and analysis into the next Congress.

Please click here to view.

If you have any questions please contact NIHB's Director of Congressional Relations, Caitrin Shuy, at [email protected] or (202) 507-4085.

Posted - October 28, 2014

White House Announces 2014 Tribal Nations Conference

President Obama, the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the White House Domestic Policy Council cordially invitee you to join him and senior members of his Administration for the 2014 White House Tribal Nations Conference. The goal of this year's Conference is to bolster the meaningful discussion between Tribal leadership and the Administration, and further strengthen the Nation-to-Nation relationship between the United States and American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes.

The Conference will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at the Capital Hilton located at 1001 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Supplementary programming will take place the afternoon of December 2nd (please click here for a draft agenda and FAQ).

One representative from each Federally recognized Tribe is invited to attend this event. Please RSVP here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/rsvp-2014-white-house-tribal-nations-conference by 10 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 12th, 2014.

Posted - October 28, 2014

Latest Ebola Update from the CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to provide current information on the Ebola outbreak. The latest update (October 27, 2014), "Interim U.S. Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Potential Ebola Virus Exposure" is listed on the website.

The healthcare workers who take care of the patients with Ebola are not only helping those with the disease but also protecting the United States by helping to fight the outbreak at the source...

Posted - September 9, 2014

HHS announces $60 million to help consumers navigate their health care coverage options in the Health Insurance Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act is working for millions of Americans who are able to access quality health coverage at a price they can afford, in large part because of the efforts of in-person assisters in local communities across the nation. People shopping for and enrolling in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace can get local help in a number of ways, including through Navigators.

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell today announced $60 million in Navigator grant awards to 90 organizations in states with federally-facilitated and state partnership Marketplaces. These awards support preparation and outreach activities in year two of Marketplace enrollment and build on lessons learned from last year...

Read Full Article on hhs.gov

Posted - August 19, 2014

The trouble with trying to sign people up for health insurance when care is already free

by Whitney Shefte - The Washington Post

It’s hard work trying to get people to sign up for health insurance when their care is mostly free to them. Andrea Thomas is working to get Alaska Natives in Sitka, Alaska, to do just that. She’s the outreach and enrollment manager at SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), and it’s her job to sign people up for health insurance coverage through exchanges created as a result of the Affordable Care Act...

Rwad Full Article

Posted - August 8, 2014

CDC Announces Upcoming Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced the next face-to-face meeting of the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC). The meeting will be hosted by the Tribes of the Bemidji Area and will be held August 12-14, 2014 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa by Traverse City, Michigan. The CDC will be sending out a Dear Tribal Leader Letter soon. This is a good opportunity to consult with Tribal leaders about challenges and successes with health and public health systems and programming, funding, access to information and data, and other related topical areas in order to funnel this information to the official Area TAC representative. As the agenda has not been published yet, it is not known what portions of the meeting will be closed and what will be open, however, attendance is encouraged and a wonderful opportunity to provide live testimony and to listen to the testimony of others.

Posted - August 7, 2014

Maniilaq CEO reaches out for federal IHS funds up front

By Jillian Rogers - The Arctic Sounder

After a few months on the job, Maniilaq Association CEO Tim Schuerch said the organization is more financially stable now than it was when he started.

However, delays in federal funding are causing headaches when it comes to running the facilities and hiring healthcare workers.

Last week Schuerch took Maniilaq's plight to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, chaired by Congressman Don Young, to urge them to pass a bill that would provide Indian Health Service funding in advance...

Read Full Article

Posted - July 1, 2014

SAMHSA Accepting Feedback on Tribal Consultation Policy

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a Dear Tribal Leader letter within the past month soliciting feedback on the latest revisions to their Tribal Consultation Policy (TCP). The policy can be read here, http://beta.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tribal-consultation.pdf. SAMHSA is requesting that all feedback on the revised policy be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] by August 29, 2014.

Posted - June 18, 2014

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Cancels Six Federal Trademark Registrations for the Washington Redsk*ns

Today, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has canceled six federal trademark registrations for the name of the Washington Redsk*ns. As grounds for cancellation the Patent and Trademark Office ruled that the name is "disparaging to Native Americans" and cannot be trademarked under federal law that prohibits the protection of offensive or disparaging language. The plaintiff's lead counsel said in a press release that they "presented a wide variety of evidence - including dictionary definitions and other reference works, newspaper clippings, movie clips, scholarly articles, expert linguist testimony, and evidence of the historic opposition by Native American groups - to demonstrate that the word 'redsk*n' is an ethnic slur." The defendants in this case will most likely appeal the ruling and the trademark protection will continue through the appeals process.

For additional information see the links below:

http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/washington-redskins-trademarks-canceled-107990.html?hp=f1

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/06/18/patent-office-cancels-washington-redskins-trademark-155362

Posted - June 12, 2014

NIHB Applauds Legislation Introduced to Provide Medicare Like Rates for All Care Purchased by the Indian Health Service

WASHINGTON, DC- June 12, 2014- Yesterday Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, introduced H.R. 4843, the "Native Contract and Rate Expenditure (CARE) Act." The bill would extend the Medicare-Like Rate cap on payments made by Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) (formerly Contract Health Services) programs at the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal levels to all Medicare participating providers and suppliers. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) worked closely with Congresswoman McCollum and Congressman Cole's offices to assist in the development of this legislation and is very pleased to see the bill introduced. The introduction of this legislation is an essential first step in allowing IHS and Tribal health facilities spend precious PRC resources most effectively and efficiently...

Posted - June 4, 2014

CMS SUBMITS NAVAJO NATION MEDICAID AGENCY FEASIBILITY REPORT TO CONGRESS ON JUNE 3, 2014

The Indian Health Care Improvement Act, as reauthorized by the Affordable Care Act, required the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing a Navajo Nation Medicaid Agency. A copy of the report was submitted to Congress by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The report was prepared in consultation with the Navajo Nation.

CLICK HERE to access the report.

Posted - May 11, 2014

Dear Tribal Leader Letters from IHS Acting Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux

SDPI:
IHS Acting Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux wrote to Tribal Leaders on May 9, 2014 to provide an update on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). The letter notes that that the SDPI program has been renewed by Congress for 1 year and that the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC) recommended that IHS continue the same funding distribution in FY 2015. The TLDC also recommended that IHS continue discussions on recommendations for any future extension that might be for multiple years, and encouraged IHS to request a waiver to allow for a continuation application rather than a competitive application.
View Letter (PDF)

CSC:
On May 12, 2014, IHS Acting Director Dr. Yvette Roubideaux wrote to Tribal Leaders to provide an update on Contract Support Costs (CSC). The letter addresses: 1) the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) progress on resolving past CSC claims; 2) consultation activities on a long-term solution for CSC as requested by Congress; 3) CSC appropriations and payments in fiscal year (FY) 2014; and 4) CSC in the FY 2015 President’s Budget Request.
View Letter (PDF)

Posted - April 2, 2014

Native American Leaders Promote Affordable Care Act in National Indian Health Board Video

BILLINGS, Mont.--April 3, 2014--During its full day of free Affordable Care Act training for Tribes, today in Billings, MT, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) launched a media campaign featuring American Indian elders. The launch was marked by the national debut of a public service announcement (PSA) for American Indian and Alaska Native elders highlighting how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improves the health care for Native elders.

Read Full Article

Posted - March 4, 2014

President releases the FY 2015 Budget request to Congress

Today the President released the FY 2015 Budget request to Congress. This officially kicks off the appropriation season. In the coming months, Congress will use this request as a baseline as it develops the FY 2015 budget.

Overall, the FY 2015 budget request totals $3.901 trillion and would increase taxes on the wealthy (by formalizing the “Buffet Rule”), cut the size and pay of the military and expand social programs. Most of the proposal will not be enacted by Congress, but will still serve as a benchmark as FY 2015 spending is finalized. You may also find this infographic from the Washington Post interesting:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/presidential-budget-2015

For the Indian Health Service the President requested $6 billion, and increase of $228 million or 4 percent over FY 2014. The budget fully funds contract support costs and provides increases for Purchased/referred care (aka contract health service) for medial inflation (5%); and clinical services. The budget also restores the cuts that were made to the Indian Health professions; tribal management and self-governance accounts in the FY 2014 operating plan in order to fully fund contract support costs.

The Administration has released a brief (attached) today but more details will be shared in the coming days. Please stay tuned for a more detailed analysis from NIHB. You can view the whole Health and Human Services Department brief here: http://www.hhs.gov/budget/#brief

IHS FY 2015 Budget in Brief (PDF)

Posted - February 20, 2014

Indian Health Service releases its FY 2014 operating plan

On February 18, 2014, the Indian Health Service released its FY 2014 operating plan. As you may recall, on January 17, 2014, Congress passed an appropriations bill to fund the Federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014). The law removed caps on Contract Support Costs (CSC) and created a way for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to fully fund CSC in 2014. Given the parameters of the legislative language, the “way” to fully fund CSC was by moving money from other IHS and BIA line items into CSC.

Today, IHS released their FY 2014 operating plan which details the funding for each spending account for the remainder of the fiscal year. The plan funds Contract Support Costs and made reductions in other areas from FY 2013. Accounts receiving those reductions for FY 2014 include Self-governance ($1 million), Tribal Management ($1 million) and Indian Health Professions ($5 million).

IHS Budget Review FY2012-2014: Click Here (PDF)

IHS Budget FY2014: Click Here (PDF)

BIA Budget FY2014: Click Here (PDF)

Please contact Caitrin Shuy at [email protected] with any questions on the FY 2014 budget.

Posted - July 1, 2014

Comment period for HRSA Tribal Consultation EXTENDED to July 28

Comment period for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Tribal Consultation Policy has been extended for an additional 30 days through Monday, July 28, 2014 (the original comment period was set to end June 27, 2014).

HRSA has asked for input regarding the current HRSA Tribal Consultation Policy. HRSA policy requires review of the consultation policy every two years, and revision to the policy if necessary. HRSA is seeking Tribal input and asks for comments no later than Monday, July 28, 2014.

Please continue to send comments to the dedicated mailbox: [email protected]

Posted - June 25, 2014

Proposed CMS Rule on Certified EHR Technology

On May 20, 2014, HHS published a new proposed rule (click here to see an easy to read pdf) that would provide eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals more flexibility in how they use certified electronic health record (EHR) technology (CEHRT) to meet meaningful use. The proposed rule, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), would let providers use the 2011 Edition CEHRT or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for the EHR reporting period in 2014 for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

The proposed rule also includes a provision that would formalize CMS and ONC’s previously stated intention to extend Stage 2 through 2016 and begin Stage 3 in 2017.

To submit comments please visit:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=CMS-2014-0064-0002

Comments are due July 21, 2014, 11:59pm EST.

Posted - May 29, 2014

Montana and Wyoming Tribes Testify to Dire State of Healthcare, Funding Shortfalls

Indian Country Media Network Staff | 5/28/14

Representatives of seven Montana and Wyoming reservations testified to the critical state of health care services and injustices suffered by their members during a U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing in Billings, Montana, on May 27. The Indian Health Service regional office in Billings, Montana, serves approximately 80,000 tribal members from Montana and Wyoming.

"All too often, tribal members complain of ailments but get sent home from the Indian Health Service with cough medicine or pain killers. Later we learn the situation is much more serious, like cancer," testified A.T. "Rusty" Stafne, chairman of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of northeast Montana’s Fort Peck Indian Reservation, reported the Associated Press...

Read full article at Indian Country Media Network

Posted - May 28, 2014

CDC Announces New Series of Public Health and Chronic Disease Prevention Funding Opportunities – including an American Indian and Alaska Native-specific Grant

CDC is announcing a series of six funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) dedicated to one or more of the leading risk factors for the major causes of death and disability in the United States: tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.

A number of the FOAs also address key health system improvements and community supports to help Americans manage their chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and pre-diabetes.
All the FOAs involve partnerships at the national, state, or local level because public health cannot solve these problems alone.

The FOAs that have already been announced and released by CDC and are posted on www.grants.gov include:

DP14-1417: Partnership to Improve Community Health
DP14-1418: National Implementation and Dissemination for Chronic Disease Prevention
DP14-1419: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH)
DP14-1421: A Comprehensive Approach to Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country
DP14-1422: Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention Program and Diabetes Prevention State and Local Public Health Actions to Prevent Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke

Of particular note is DP14-1421PPHF14: A Comprehensive Approach to Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country. This 5-year, $14 million/year initiative aims to prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and associated risk factors in American Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages through a holistic approach to population health and wellness. The initiative will support efforts by American Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages to implement a variety of effective community-chosen and culturally adapted policies, systems, and environmental changes. These changes will aim to reduce commercial tobacco use and exposure, improve nutrition and physical activity, increase support for breastfeeding, increase health literacy, and strengthen team-based care and community-clinical links. Funds will support approximately 12 American Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages directly and approximately 12 Tribal Organizations (one of each in each of 12 IHS administrative areas) to provide leadership, technical assistance, training, and resources to American Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages within their IHS Administrative Areas.

Click here to view the FOA:
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=255892

Posted - March 18, 2014

Comment Period for MSPI and DVPI Funding

Indian Health Service recently released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter that was calling for comments from Tribal leaders regarding potential future funding for the Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative and the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative. The comment period closes on March 27, 2014. This is an important opportunity for Leaders to support two critical programs in our communities… Read More

Posted - March 24, 2014

National Tribal Day of Action To #GetCoveredNow

Today is the National Tribal Day of Action for Affordable Care Act Enrollment. Over 65 events are being hosted in tribal communities across the nation and President Obama wants to ensure that every American Indian and Alaska Native has the information they need to take advantage of new health care options available under the health care law...

Read full article at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/03/24/national-tribal-day-action-getcoverednow

Posted - March 24, 2014

MARCH 24: NATIONAL TRIBAL DAY OF ACTION FOR AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ENROLLMENT!!

Get Covered on Today's National Tribal Day of Action for ACA Enrollment

Today is the National Tribal Day of Action for the Affordable Care Act Enrollment. This is a prime opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

The open enrollment deadline set for March 31, 2014 is quickly approaching. And, even though members of federally recognized Tribes have a special monthly enrollment status, it is important for AI/AN individuals and families to learn about their insurance options. Whether it's purchasing insurance through the Marketplace or qualifying for Medicaid, knowing that you have quality coverage will provide peace of mind.

Posted - January 16, 2014

February 18 & 19 -- CDC/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Tribal Consultation Session & Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting (TAC)

Times and Dates: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., February 18, 2014 (TAC Meeting); 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., February 19, 2014 (10th Biannual Tribal Consultation Session)

Location: TAC Meeting and Tribal Consultation Session to be held at CDC Headquarters, 1600 Clifton Road NE., Global Communications Center, Auditorium B3, Atlanta, Georgia 30333

Status: The meetings are being hosted by CDC/ATSDR and are open to the public.

Topics and Format: The TAC and CDC leaders will discuss the following public health issue topics identified by Tribal leaders: Native specimens, behavioral risk factors, and disease-specific topics. There will also be a listening session with the CDC Director/ ATSDR Administrator and a roundtable discussion with CDC and ATSDR leadership.

Written Testimony: Tribal Leaders are encouraged to submit written testimony by 12:00 a.m., EST on January 24, 2014, to April R. Taylor, Public Health Analyst for the Tribal Support Unit, or CAPT Craig Wilkins, Acting Director for the Tribal Support Unit, CDC/OSTLTS, via mail to 4770 Buford Highway NE., MS E-70, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 or email to [email protected].

Registration Required: All attendees must pre-register by January 29th.

Learn More: Registration forms, agendas, and hotel information can be found on the CDC/ATSDR Tribal Support website at www.cdc.gov/tribal/meetings.html.

Updated - January 6, 2014
Deadline for TAC Nominations Extended to January 17, 2014

Call for Nominations for the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR)

The CDC/ATSDR is seeking nominations to fill open positions on the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC). Out of 16 seats, there are 11 seats open (Aberdeen, Albuquerque, Billings, California, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, and 4 At-large seats). Nominations for the TAC will be accepted until January 17, 2014.

For more information on the TAC and instructions on how to submit a nomination please follow the links below:

For additional assistance, questions, or concerns, please contact CAPT Craig Wilkins, Acting Director, Tribal Support Unit at [email protected] or (404) 498-2208.

2013

Posted - December 9, 2013

Joint letters from the National Indian Health Board, National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Education Association and the National Indian Child Welfare Association to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees outlining FY 2014 funding priorities for Indian Country.

Posted - November 29, 2013

Join NIHB for a Capitol Hill briefing on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians – Thursday, December 5, 2013

On December 5, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) will host a Special Diabetes Program Indians (SDPI) briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C from 10:00 – 11:15 AM in 2218 Rayburn House Office Building. The SDPI is making a tremendous difference in the health of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), who are burdened disproportionately with type 2 diabetes at a rate of 2.8 times the national average.

As SDPI is set to expire in September 2014, the program must be renewed this year to ensure that critical programs around the country can continue. This is your opportunity to hear directly from SDPI grant program directors and other SDPI stakeholders on specifically how SDPI funding is changing the diabetes landscape for AI/ANs and how SDPI is saving lives, lowering medical expenditures and demonstrating a real return on the federal investment. To view the SDPI briefing invitation, CLICK HERE (PDF).

To RSVP for the SDPI briefing, please contact Jeremy Marshall, NIHB Senior Legislative Associate, at [email protected] or at (202) 507-4078.

Posted - November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving overshadowed by sequestration in Indian Country

This Thanksgiving, as with every year since 1970, Native Americans and supporters of indigenous peoples throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will march on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts to protest the turkey jubilee and reappropriate the holiday as National Day of Mourning (NDOM)...

Read full article at mainstreet.com

Posted - November 1, 2013

76 Senators Sign Support Letter for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

76 Senators have signed the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Senate support letter this year, translating into over 75% of the U.S. Senate supporting this critical program. This is an increase from last year’s total of 72 Senate signatures. To view the SDPI Senate support letter (with signatures), CLICK HERE (PDF)

Posted - October 30, 2013

NIHB Board Secretary Sally Smith Receives Demientieff Award

October 24, 2013, Fairbanks, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today presented the 2013 Shirley Demientieff Award to H. Sally Smith at the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention in Fairbanks. The award, presented each year at AFN, is given by the governor for advocacy on behalf of Alaska Native women and children.

To read more, click here.

Posted - October 28, 2013

On October 14, 2013, NIHB, in partnership with the United South and Eastern Tribes and 22 other Tribes and Tribal Organizations, sent a letter to President Obama, asking the Administration to withdraw the proposal to cap Contract Support Costs for Tribal contracts and promptly resolve all past claims.

Click here to view the letter (PDF).

Posted - October 23, 2013

336 House Members Sign On in Support of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

336 U.S. House of Representatives Members have signed the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) support letter, translating into over 75% of House Members signing on in support of SDPI. This is an increase from last year’s total of 268 House Member signatures. Please note that the House SDPI Support Letter contains 335 signatures. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX-32) provided his own support letter.

To view the House SDPI Support Letter (with House Member signatures), CLICK HERE (PDF).

Please note that the House SDPI support letter contains 335 actual signatures. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX-32) provided his own support letter, bringing the total to 336. While a final copy of the U.S. Senate SDPI support letter has not been provided by the Senate Diabetes Caucus at this time, we can confirm that 76 Senators have signed the Senate SDPI support letter. The Senate SDPI support letter (with signatures) will be posted on the NIHB homepage once its released.

For more information, contact Jeremy Marshall (NIHB Senior Legislative Associate) at [email protected] or at (202) 507-4078. Stay tuned to the SDPI Resource Center website at www.nihb.org/sdpi for regular updates on the SDPI renewal campaign and how you can become involved.

Posted - October 22, 2013

Senator Begich Introduces Legislative Bill to Streamline the Definition of Indian in the Affordable Care Act

On October 16, 2013, Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced a bill (S.1575) that would streamline the Definition of Indian in the Affordable Care Act. This is an important first step in ensuring that all American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) receive the benefits and protections intended for them in the Affordable Care Act (ACA)...

Read More (PDF)

Posted - October 4, 2013

Indian Health Among Tribal Programs That Could Re-Open Under Mini Continuing Resolution

Yesterday (October 3, 2013), the House of Representatives approved for House Floor consideration several measures which would end the government shutdown for select agencies. Among these was a resolution offered by Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Mike Simpson (R-ID) to continue funding for several programs critical to Indian Country. The “American Indian and Alaska Native, Health, Education, and Safety Act” (H.J.Res.80), would fund the Indian Health Service (IHS), The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) until December 15, 2013. This bill would provide funding for these programs at FY 2013 funding levels, and still maintain sequestration cuts. In addition to this bill there were also measures approved for consideration that would fund nutrition assistance for low-income women and children (H.J.Res.75) Impact Aid, (H.J.Res.83) and Head Start (H.J.Res.84)...

Read More (PDF)

Posted - October 4, 2013

Government shutdown's hit magnified for tribes; 300 in Crow Tribe furloughed

Billing's Gazette

CROW AGENCY — American Indian tribes have more than access to national parks on the line with the government shutdown, as federal funding has been cut off for crucial services including foster care payments, nutrition programs and financial assistance for the needy.

For the 13,000 members of southeast Montana's Crow Tribe, the budget impasse had immediate and far-reaching effects: Tribal leaders furloughed more than 300 workers Wednesday, citing the shutdown and earlier federal budget cuts...

Read full article:
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/government-shutdown-s-hit-magnified-for-
tribes-in-crow-tribe/article_28d79f72-667c-5eb7-b01d-3bd6d59610d5.html#ixzz2gn2JbT5N

Posted - October 3, 2013

Native American communities hit hard by government shutdown

By Kevin Taylor and Jenni Monet

No roads link the tiny town of Fort Yukon, Alaska, to the rest of the United States, but that doesn't mean the federal government shutdown won't reach the nearly 600 inhabitants, mostly members of the Alaska Native population, who still fish and hunt for subsistence.

Ed Alexander, 36, is second chief of the Gwichyaa Zhee band of Gwich'in Indians who reside there, and he spent most of Tuesday online trying to determine what exactly the shutdown's impact will be. The timing is terrible for Alaska Native villages, he said, hurting students who have not yet received scholarship money they need for faraway universities and creating unemployment — the government is a core employer — just as people are preparing for an interior Alaska winter...

Read full article at:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/3/indian-country-hithardbygovernmentshutdown.html

Posted - October 1, 2013

What you need to know about the Government shutdown and Indian Health

The U.S. government has officially shutdown as of 12a.m. on October 1 due to Congress’s failure to pass a continuing resolution, or “CR,” to fund the government. Late last night, the House of Representatives sent back a version of the CR to the Senate which delayed the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act and eliminated health premium subsidies for members of Congress, their staff and the president, his cabinet and political appointees. However, the Senate immediately rejected this proposal. The House then voted to go into a “conference” with the Senate to work out a final CR. However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid refused noting, “We will not go to conference with a gun to our head." Both chambers are in session today, but a path forward is unclear.

What does this mean for Indian health?...

Posted - September 10, 2013

White House Trying to Cheat Tribes on Health Costs

Rob Capriccioso
September 09, 2013 | Indian Country Today Media Network

In June 2012 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter that the federal government must pay for the full contract support costs (CSC) incurred by tribes while providing healthcare and other governmental services for their tribal citizens through Indian Self-Determination Act contract agreements.

In opposition to that ruling, the White House shared with Congress late this summer a continuing resolution budget proposal that would allow the federal government to forgo paying millions of dollars worth of CSC to tribes...

Read Full Article

Posted - August 8, 2013

$47 Million in CMS EHR Incentive Payments to Indian Country

Providers and hospitals signed up with the NIHB REC

WASHINGTON, DC—August 7, 2013—According to a recent report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Regional Extension Center contributed to producing $47 million in CMS Electronic Health Records (EHR) incentive payments to Indian Country...

Read Full Story (PDF)

Posted - August 6, 2013

IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux Writes to Tribal Leaders on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

In June, Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux sent a “Dear Tribal Leader” letter with an update on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). In April of this year, the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC) recommended that the national funding distribution for the SDPI remain the same for FY 2014. IHS Director Roubideaux concurred with this recommendation provided by the TLDC.

The Letter also provides an update on efforts to address the $3 million sequestration cut to SDPI funding in FY 2013. IHS has worked hard to find ways within current SDPI funding levels to address the $3 million reduction and has announced that SDPI grant amounts will not be reduced due to sequestration in FY 2013. SDPI programs established in Indian Country will continue to receive the necessary resources and funding to fight diabetes in Tribal communities.

To view a copy of the “Dear Tribal Leader” letter, CLICK HERE

July 23, 2013 - New York Times Editorial

Abandoned in Indian Country

It’s an old American story: malign policies hatched in Washington leading to pain and death in Indian country. It was true in the 19th century. It is true now, at a time when Congress, heedless of its solemn treaty obligations to Indian tribes, is allowing the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester to threaten the health, safety and education of Indians across the nation...

Read full article

Published: July 17, 2013
New York Times

Letter to the Editor: Cuts to Indian Health

Re “Broken Promises,” by Byron L. Dorgan (Op-Ed, July 11):

The National Indian Health Board, an advocacy group serving the 566 federally recognized tribes, calls on Congress to acknowledge the harm that health care cuts are having on tribal communities and to exempt the Indian Health Service, a federal agency, from further reductions...

Read full article

July 12, 2013 - New York Times

Pain on the Reservation

Photo by Kevin Moloney for The New York Times

At Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, one of the poorest parts of the United States, the budget cuts known as sequestration have slashed millions of federal dollars in funding.

By ANNIE LOWREY
New York Times

PINE RIDGE, S.D. — The Red Cloud-Bissonette family needs a new trailer. Frank, who is disabled, and Norma, his wife, are members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe who live on the sprawling grasslands of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Despite their constant efforts to patch the seams of one of their trailers that was hauled here in 1988, rot and mold continue to climb up the walls.

The family has punched a hole in the ceiling for a chimney for their wood stove, a necessity given the harshness of the winters but a fire hazard in the dry climate...

Read Full Article

View Other Sequestration Stories

Posted: July 11, 2013

WE WILL SOON BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2013 3RD ANNUAL NATIVE YOUTH SUMMIT

One of many videos from the 2012 Native Youth Conference:
Suicide Prevention Story created by: Corina Williams (Village of Togiak) and Evrocenia Wassillie (Village of Togiak)
View all the 2012 Native Youth Summit videos

The Youth Summit will take place at the NIHB 30th Annual Consumer Conference (ACC) in Traverse City Michigan on August 23-26, 2013. This year’s Summit focuses on creating Digital stories related to Diabetes and Cancer in your community. We encourage all Native Youth to apply and tell us why you would like to be a part of this year’s Summit.

To find out more information on the 2013 3rd Annual NIHB Native Youth Summit, please click here and see Digital Stories produced at last year’s Summit.

Native Health Summit

The 2013 National Indian Health Board’s Native Youth Summit of the 30th Annual Consumer Conference will bring together youth throughout Indian Country to focus on health care issues in their communities. This year we will offer full workshops on two critical health care issues in Indian Country: Cancer and Diabetes. With support from the Mayo Clinic’s Spirit of Eagles Program and the American Diabetes Association, these two issues will be the focus of Digital Story-telling workshops and productions. The Digital Stories will be featured at the end of the track during a Native Youth Film Festival held on Monday, August 26th following the Annual Consumer Conference Opening Reception!

More information/ Register

For further questions regarding the Summit please call 202-507-4081.

Posted: July 11, 2013

Help Fight Diabetes in Indian Country: Urge Your Senators and Representatives to Sign on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Support Letter

This week, the House Diabetes Caucus released a Dear Colleague letter to support the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDP/SDPI). Both of these programs expire at the end of next fiscal year - September 30, 2014. You can read the Senate letter here and the House letter here.

SDPI is a critical investment to prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes in the American Indian/Alaska Native Communities. This program is saving lives and saving taxpayer dollars. If this program is not renewed, Tribes across Indian Country will not only lose funds but will continue to suffer from Type 2 diabetes at alarming rates.

HOUSE SDP Dear Colleague and Joint Letter (PDF)

SENATE Special Diabetes Program Dear Colleague and Joint Letter (PDF)

Please contact your representatives and urge them to sign onto this letter. The deadline to sign on is July 31, 2013.

Last year's letter had signatures from 268 House members and 72 Senators and was instrumental in the renewal of SDPI. Please help us make this year's letter an even bigger a success!

Posted: July 11, 2013

New York Times Op-ed: Broken Promises by Bryon Dorgan

Broken Promises

By BYRON L. DORGAN
WASHINGTON — WHEN I retired in 2011 after serving 30 years in Congress, there was one set of issues I knew I could not leave behind. I donated $1 million of unused campaign funds to create the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, because our country has left a trail of broken promises to American Indians.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I once toured a school near an Indian reservation where I encountered a teacher who told me that when she asked a young Indian student what she wanted for Christmas, she said she wanted the electricity turned on in her house so she could study at night...

Posted: July 8, 2013

2012 National Indian Health Board Native Youth Summit Digital Story Films

In 2012 the Annual Consumer Conference in Denver, Colorado featured the 2nd Annual Native Youth Summit. This track brought together Native Youth from around Indian Country to develop digital stories focused on health and wellness in their communities. These stories created by the youth over a two day Digital Story workshop dealt with topics ranging from Obesity to Suicide to Stress and Cultural Identity.

View the videos

Posted: July 5, 2013

National Indian Health Board and National Congress of American Indians Propose Candidates for United States Surgeon General

Washington, DC – Today, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) was joined by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) requesting that the administration appoint one of the four candidates it proposed for Surgeon General of the United States. The candidates include foremost leaders in the field of Indian Health: Lori Arviso-Alvord, MD (Navajo), Donald Warne, MD, MPH (Oglala Lakota), Charles Grim, DDS (Cherokee) and Rear Admiral Craig Vanderwagon. The NIHB announced its support for the four candidates at the close of the National Indian Health Board’s National Annual Tribal Public Health Summit June 19, which was held on the Seminole Nation, in Florida...

Department of Health and Human Services Offers Partial Solution Definition of Indian

On Wednesday, June 26, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule that provides a hardship waiver that will prevent American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) from receiving a tax penalty if they fail to retain minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) applauds HHS’s decision to move forward with this waiver and appreciates the Secretary responding to the comments of the Tribes and Tribal advocates to address definition of Indian issue. Yet, there are many other benefits included in the ACA specific to AI/ANs that need to be addressed in order for all AI/ANs to be afforded the opportunities provided for in the Act.

Read NIHB’s full statement (PDF)

Read the final rule (PDF)

Posted: June 27, 2013

“S.H.O.W.” SDPI Grantee Site Visit Toolkit: Connect with Your Member of Congress Today!

DOWNLOAD S.H.O.W. SDPI Toolkit (PDF)

On June 19th, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) launched the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) renewal campaign. As SDPI will expire on September 30th, 2014, NIHB asks you to help Congress understand the impact of SDPI in your communities by inviting your Member of Congress to visit your SDPI program in August during the Congressional recess. NIHB has created the “Schedule, Host, Organize, and Witness” (S.H.O.W.) SDPI Grantee Site Visit Toolkit, a step-by-step guide on how to host a site visit with your Member of Congress...Read More (PDF)

Posted: March 9, 2013

On Thursday, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Act at the Department of the Interior

See a video and hear comments of those that attended the ceremony at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oweS1DR3F2Q

Posted: March 4, 2013

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Releases Report to Congress on the Joint Committee Sequestration for Fiscal Year 2013

On March 1, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its Report to the Congress on the Sequestration for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. The Report provides calculations of the amounts and percentages by which various federal agency budgetary resources are required to be reduced over the seven months remaining in the fiscal year and a listing of the reductions required for each non-exempt budget account.

As a result of the Congress’s failure to enact legislation to stop the sequester, President Obama was required by law to issue a sequestration order on March 1 canceling $85 billion in budgetary resources across the federal government for FY 2013. As noted in the Report, the Indian Health Service (IHS) discretionary lines – IHS services and facilities – are subject to a 5% cut, which translates into a cut of $195 million for services and a $22 million reduction for facilities in FY 2013. The IHS mandatory account for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is subject to a 2% cut of $3 million.

For a copy of the OMB March 1 Report, CLICK HERE

Posted: February 28, 2013

NIHB ACTION ALERT: Urge Your House Member to Support S. 47

This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives has begun consideration of S. 47, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) legislation that was passed by a strong bipartisan Senate majority earlier this month. Today, the House is expected to vote first on the House VAWA substitute bill, which aims to give non-Indian perpetrators the ability to take their cases from Tribal court to federal court at any point in the legal process if they assert that their Constitutional rights are being violated by a Tribal court. If the vote on the House VAWA substitute fails, the House will then hold a vote on S. 47, which includes more favorable Tribal jurisdiction provisions. S. 47 appropriately addresses the high incidence of domestic and sexual abuse of American Indian women by giving the necessary authority to Tribal police and courts to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators.

We respectfully ask you to contact your House Members this morning and urge them to vote “No” on the VAWA House substitute and vote “Yes” on S. 47. For more information, attached is a VAWA Action Alert (PDF) that provides information on how to contact your House Members and a copy of S. 47 (PDF).

Posted: March 4, 2013

House of Representatives Votes to Renew the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

On February 28, the House of Representatives voted in support of S. 47, a renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The legislation passed on a vote of 286 to 138, with 199 Democrats joining 87 Republicans in support of the reauthorization of the landmark 1994 law, which assists victims of domestic and sexual violence. The successful measure passed the Senate last month with 78 votes — including those of every woman, all Democrats and just over half of Republicans. The approved VAWA measure includes a key provision that will allow Tribal courts to prosecute non-Native perpetrators accused of assaulting Indian women on Tribal lands. The measure is now on its way to the desk of President Obama to be signed into law.

The alternative unveiled by the House last week immediately came under sharp criticism from Democrats and women’s and human rights groups for failing to include protections in the Senate bill for gay, bisexual or transgender victims of domestic abuse. The House bill eliminated “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” from a list of “populations” that face barriers to receiving victim services — and also stripped certain provisions regarding American Indian women on reservations. With House Republicans divided, House leadership agreed that it would allow a vote on the Senate bill if the House version could not attract sufficient votes. It failed on a vote of 257 to 166. Sixty Republicans joined 197 Democrats in opposition; 164 Republicans and 2 Democrats voted for it.

Starting February 25, 2013

Pain and Addiction Course

Brought to you by Indian Health Service’s TeleBehavioral Health Center for Excellence and the University of New Mexico’s Center for Rural and Community Behavioral

Presented by Snehal Bhatt, MD and Joanna Katzman, MD, MSPH

This 15-session course will address:

- Pain Management within a primary care setting.
- Risk Management with pain patients.
- Assessing aberrant behavior in pain patients.
- Diagnosing and managing Opioid Addiction within a primary care setting.
- Practical assessment and intervention.

Sessions will occur weekly on Mondays

More Information (PDF)

The 15th U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Annual Tribal Budget Consultation (ATBC)

March 6-8, 2013
Washington, DC

As in previous years, HHS will continue to work with you to improve the consultation process. The Department understands the importance of hearing from tribes on national crosscutting issues, regional perspectives, as well as tribal-specific concerns. The consultation session will provide a forum for tribes to collectively share their views and priorities with HHS officials on national health and human services funding priorities and recommendations for the Department’s FY 2015 budget request. We hope the consultation will provide a venue for a two-way conversation between tribal leaders and HHS officials on program issues and concerns that will lead to recommended actions. The schedule for this year’s consultation is as follows...

Read More (PDF)

January 24, 2013

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Mental Health Services & Prevent Youth Suicide

On January 23, in an effort to improve mental health services for young people and prevent youth suicides, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization bill. The Reauthorization will help improve access to counseling for at-risk teens and promote the development of statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies. It will also increase federal funding for competitive grants to help States, colleges, universities, and Tribes improve mental and behavioral health counseling services...

Read More (PDF)

January 24, 2013

Violence Against Women Act Bills Re-introduced in Congress

On January 22, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID) introduced S. 47, a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the new 113th Congress. On the same day, Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) introduced H.R. 11, a House companion bill identical to the bipartisan Senate bill S. 47...

Read Full Article (PDF)

January 24, 2013

House Passes Legislation to Suspend the Debt Limit

On January 23, the House of Representatives passed debt legislation that would suspend the country’s debt limit through May 18. House Members voted 285-144 to pass H.R. 335, with 86 Democrats supporting the measure and 33 Republicans opposing it.

H.R. 335 automatically increases the current $16.4 trillion ceiling to accommodate additional debt accumulated before May 18. Without action, the federal government would reach its borrowing ceiling as early as mid-February. H.R. 335 would also tie Congressional pay to passage of a budget plan by suspending salaries of House or Senate Members if either chamber does not adopt a budget resolution by April 15.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that the Senate will pass H.R. 335 and the White House has indicated that it will not block the measure. The timing of the Senate vote to pass the measure has not been determined. Stay tuned to www.nihb.org for updates as they develop.

January 11, 2013

Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach & Enrollment
Grant Announcement - Due Date: Feb. 21, 2013

Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a solicitation for applications for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants This solicitation seeks applications for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment (Cycle III) grant funding, provided under the Section 2113 of the Social Security Act, as amended by section 10203(d)(2)(E)(i) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Pub. L. 111-148).

A total of $32 million is available for grants to states, local governments, community-based and non-profit organizations. Indian health care providers and tribal entities also are eligible to apply for grants under this FOA. In addition, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be announcing a separate FOA exclusively for Indian health care providers and tribal entities, under which $4 million will be made available for outreach and enrollment grants. Cycle III grants will support outreach strategies similar to those conducted in previous grant cycles, and also will fund activities designed to help families understand new application procedures and health coverage opportunities, including Medicaid, CHIP and insurance affordability programs under the ACA.

All grant applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov and are due on February 21, 2013. Applications received through www.grants.gov until 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 21, 2013, will be considered "on time."

Teleconferences for Applicants:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold at least two applicant teleconferences to provide an opportunity to ask questions about this solicitation. The first teleconference will take place on January 16, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 3 pm eastern time. The dates, times, and call information for this and future teleconferences will be posted on the Insure Kids Now website at www.insurekidsnow.gov/
professionals/outreach/grantees

Click here to see the full announcement

January 2, 2013

Congress Votes to Renew the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)

Congratulations! As one of the final acts of the 112th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate approved H.R. 8 – American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 – a bipartisan bill that included a one-year renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) at the current funding level of $150 million. The reauthorization of the SDPI is a significant accomplishment in the current challenging political and fiscal environment in Congress. The measure is expected to be signed by the President shortly.

This victory is due to your tremendous dedication in spending countless hours connecting with Congress. The renewal of the SDPI was a top legislative priority of the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and for the past year, we focused much of our efforts, with your help, on demonstrating to Congress that SDPI is an urgent priority that must be renewed. With this extension, SDPI programs can continue through September 2014 to make a real difference in the lives of people in Tribal communities who fight diabetes on a daily basis.

In the coming days, NIHB will be releasing information on how you can thank your Members of Congress for their support of SDPI renewal. In the meantime, NIHB thanks each of you for your great outreach efforts to Congress. Lastly, for more information about the details of the fiscal deal package, please see the fact sheet issued by the White House.

View the Tax Agreement Fact Sheet (PDF)

January 1, 2013

SDPI Renewal Included in Senate Fiscal Cliff Package

Early this morning, by a vote of 89-8, the Senate passed legislation - H.R. 8 - American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 - that not only neutralizes the across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to take effect at midnight but also includes a one-year extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) at the current funding level of $150 million. The renewal would extend SDPI through September 2014. The one-year renewal of SDPI will continue to provide Indian County with the necessary resources to continue to make significant advances in diabetes education, treatment, and prevention in Tribal communities.

Other key highlights of this legislation include:

Tax rates will increase for individuals with annual incomes above $400,000 and couples with incomes above $450,000, generating about $600 billion in new revenue to the federal government over the next ten years.
The sequester is delayed for two months.
The scheduled payment cuts to doctors under Medicare would be avoided for a year.
The Farm Bill is extended for nine months.

The House of Representatives convened at Noon today and will hopefully pass the legislative package so it can be sent to President Obama and signed into law.

NIHB continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they develop. For more information on SDPI, please visit the SDPI Resource Center at www.nihb.org/sdpi

To view the text of H.R. 8, CLICK HERE

2012

December 17, 2012

19 States Will Establish a State Exchange

19 states, including the District of Columbia, have announced their intent to establish a state exchange before last Friday’s deadline, December 14, 2012.

To view which states are establishing a state exchange, visit NIHB’s Tribal Reform Resource Website at www.nihb.org/tribalhealthreform.

The National Indian Health Board is pleased to announce our new initiative GO the EXTRA MILE

The National Indian Health Board is pleased to announce our new initiative GO the EXTRA MILE, the result of our Executive Director Stacy A. Bohlen signing the CEO Pledge. The CEO Pledge is part of a national campaign to encourage Executive Directors to commit to supporting and fostering a physically-active workplace. NIHB’s GO the EXTRA MILE initiative achieves these goals by creating a workplace that supports physical activity for every member of its staff. Through the GO THE EXTRA MILE with NIHB initiative, staff is required to walk at least one mile each day for a year. We will aggregate these miles and “virtually” walk to each of the 12 Indian Health Service Areas, either to an Area Indian Health Board or to a Tribal Partner in Areas that do not have a Board.

To view the letter from our Executive Director, Stacy A. Bohlen about the CEO Pledge and the GO the EXTRA MILE, CLICK HERE.

On November 1, 2012, the first day of both American Indian Heritage Month and Diabetes Awareness month, NIHB will launch its GO THE EXTRA MILE initiative, and we invite you to join us on this year-long journey. The kickoff walk will take place at 8 AM in front of the National Museum of American Indians in Washington, D.C. NIHB wants to begin this journey by walking the first mile together!

To see Kickoff Walk flyer CLICK HERE.

We invite you to join NIHB by signing the CEO pledge and participating in the November 1st launch. You will have access to the NIHB Go The Extra Mile website (available on November 1st), which will include a toolkit, electronic mapping for your journey, and access to information like “Hot Health Tips” from our partner, the Association of American Indian Physicians.

For additional information about the GO the EXTRA MILE, CEO Pledge, and the kickoff walk, please contact Liz Heintzman at [email protected] and/or 202-507-4072. CLICK HERE to view the GO the EXTRA MILE proposal and CLICK HERE to view NIHB’s virtual walking plan.

November 19, 2012

NIHB Special Analysis Series Post-General Election 2012: What it Means for Indian Health Policy

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is producing several fact papers about the post-election 2012 and the health reform implications, focusing specifically on how they pertain to Indian Country.

For an update about the health exchanges and the approaching deadline for states to announce their decision to implement a state exchange, click here (PDF).

To view a state by state comparison of governors’ decisions on implementing state exchanges, click here (PDF).

For an update about the general post-presidential and congressional election results, click here (PDF).

Stay tuned for more NIHB Special Analysis Series fact sheets.

November 13, 2012

NIHB Chairperson Cathy Abramson Speaks Up for Indian Programs

On October 26th, National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Chairperson Cathy Abramson (Board Member, Treasurer, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) provided remarks and chaired the Health Subcommittee meeting at the 69th Annual National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Convention & Marketplace in Sacramento, California. The focus of NIHB Chairperson Abramson’s remarks was to provide an update on NIHB’s efforts to secure the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) reauthorized by Congress and the importance of protecting Indian programs from sequestration...

Read More (PDF)

OMB Sequestration Report Released: Significant Impact on Indian Health Service

On September 14, 2012, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued its Sequestration report. As noted in the report, many of the federal health programs and services provided to and accessed by American Indians and Alaska Natives will experience significant cuts if sequestration goes into effect in 2013. In particular, the Indian Health Service’s discretionary accounts for services and facilities will be subject to an 8.2% across-the-board cut, which is quite different from what many originally understood and reported, and the IHS mandatory account of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians is subject to a 2% cut. The report notes that the 2% limit, as provided for the Indian Health Service’s services and facilities accounts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, applies “only for a discretionary cap sequestration and such accounts are fully sequestrable under a Joint Committee sequestration.” This means that nearly the entire Indian Health Service’s budget is subject to an 8.2% cut, and the total estimated automatic cut to the IHS budget is $356 million in Fiscal Year 2013.

OMB Sequestration Report (PDF)

NIHB Submits Statement on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians

August 24, 2012

On August 22, the National Indian Health Board submitted an official statement to the Senate Finance Committee in response to the August 8th Field Hearing at Crow Agency, MT, titled: Healing in Indian Country: Ensuring Access to Quality Health Care. The purpose of the Field Hearing was to address accessing quality health care in Indian Country. In addition to the tribal testimony provided at the Field Hearing, the statement highlights two additional recommendations: Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) reauthorization and protection of the Indian Health Service budget through any cuts enacted through the sequestration process next January. The SDPI statement will be posted on the Senate Finance Committee website in the coming months as it becomes a part of the official record.

NIHB Field Hearing Statement on SDPI 8.22.12 (PDF)

Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced the final rule for Stage 2 of meaningful use in the EHR Incentive Payments Program and ONC announced the standards and certification criteria final rule!

To continue positioning yourselves as a trusted advisor, it is important for you to announce this milestone to your stakeholders as soon as possible. Your timely communication reinforces your connection to the federal agencies that make these impactful determinations.

To quickly push out the announcement, utilize the attached template email and below tweets.

Stage 2 Final Rule released on CMS website: CMS announces new Stage 2 meaningful use rule for #EHRs.
Read more (PDF).

ONC Final Rule released Standards & Certification Criteria (Health Information Technology: Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology, 2014 Edition; Revisions to the Permanent Certification Program for Health Information Technology): ONC announces new Stage 2 meaningful use rule for #EHRs. Read more (PDF).

CMS Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs: Stage 2 Final Rule (PDF)

ONC Fact Sheet: 2014 Edition Standards & Certification Criteria (S&CC) Final Rule (PDF)

NIHB Announces National Call-In Day Event in Support of SDPI

On Wednesday, November 14th - World Diabetes Day - please join NIHB and Tribal communities from across the country in asking your Senators and Representatives to support renewal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) this year! Congress will be back in session and we need to make sure that they renew SDPI!

Read More (PDF)

NIHB Submits Letter to VA an IHS on the All-Inclusive Reimbursement Rate

On October 16, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) recommending that Tribes receive the Medicaid All-Inclusive Reimbursement Rate rather than the Medicare Fee Schedule Reimbursement Rate. The Medicaid All-Inclusive Rate provides a fairer level of reimbursement that more adequately addresses the costs of providing services in small, often rural locations; assuring the availability of needed programs.

Earlier this year, Alaska Tribal Health programs executed reimbursement agreements with the VA under which the Medicaid All-Inclusive Rate would be paid for both inpatient and outpatient services. When Tribes outside of Alaska sought to negotiate a similar arrangement, VA indicated to Tribes that all reimbursement for Indian health outpatient services provided outside Alaska would be limited to the Medicare Fee Schedule Reimbursement Rate. In Tribal consultation sessions with VA, Tribes have objected this change in policy by VA.

This issue will play a critical role in allowing American Indians and Alaska Natives access to quality health care, especially as Tribes enter into negotiations with the VA on terms and conditions for reimbursement rates for direct services.

Letter to VA and IHS on All Inclusive Rate (PDF)

TTAG Releases Draft Strategic Plan

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to share their draft for a revised American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Strategic Plan for CMS for the period 2013‐2018.

This is the third AI/AN Strategic Plan for CMS that the Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) has prepared. The previous plans were issued in 2004 and 2009. It is urgent that the plan is updated because there has been legislation that has resulted in policy and regulatory changes since the last plan was issued, which will significantly impact AI/ANs’ access to health care and the Indian health care delivery system. These changes include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, which also permanently authorized the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).

The draft plan has goals, objectives, tasks, and budgets organized around the five themes of Tribal consultation, Policy Development, Long Term Care, Outreach and Enrollment, and Data. The Plan requests significant increases in CMS funding for AI/AN initiatives over the 5‐year period.

In addition to providing a roadmap for CMS, the plan is informative and useful, particularly Appendix B, which provides an updated summary of the "Legal Basis for Special CMS Provisions for American Indians and Alaska Natives."

The TTAG would like to hear from you about this plan before we finalize this draft and send it to CMS. Please send your comments to Elizabeth Heintzman via email [email protected] no later than October 30, 2012. Our intention is to complete the plan with your input by the end of the year.

A Word version of the Plan is available HERE, in which you can use to make red edits of your recommendations.

Also, visit the TTAG website HERE.

NIHB MILESTONE 1 COMPLETED

2,700 HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SIGN‐UP IN INDIAN COUNTRY

Washington, DC September 17, 2012 – The National Indian Health Board has completed Milestone 1 for Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records as mandated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

Read Full Press Release (PDF)

HHS announces next steps to promote use of electronic health records and health information exchange

August 23, 2012

Today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the next steps in the Obama administration’s work to help doctors and hospitals use electronic health records.

“The changes we’re announcing today will lead to more coordination of patient care, reduced medical errors, elimination of duplicate screenings and tests and greater patient engagement in their own care,” Secretary Sebelius said.

Read More (PDF)

IHS Tribal Consultation Update

The final agenda for the IHS Tribal Consultation Summit being held in Denver, CO on August 7-8, 2012, can be located on the IHS Director’s Blog. Click here to for the final agenda.

Also posted on the Director’s Blog were several new Dear Tribal Leader (DTL) letters providing updates on consultation activities that the DTL letters have initiated a few new consultations. IHS has also developed a summary of all consultation activities initiated since June 2009 with brief updates on their status and outcomes. Click here to view those updates.

Please note that if the letter does not state a deadline for comments, then IHS requests comments be submitted within 60 days from the date of the letter. Comments are should be addressed to Dr. Yvette Roubideaux at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, MD, or by email to [email protected].

CDC Orientation for New Health Officials
October 15–17, 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support is pleased to inform you about the upcoming CDC Orientation for New Health Officials, October 15–17, 2012. The orientation will be held at CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

NIHB Launches New SDPI Resource Center

July 3, 2012
The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is set to expire September 2013 unless Congress takes action to renew the program. And, as in past renewal campaigns, it is critical for Congress to renew the program as soon as possible to avoid disruption in programs and staff. That means we must all work together – in this difficult budget and political climate – to convince Congress to RENEW SDPI THIS YEAR. And it will take all of us working together and sharing information.

That is why NIHB has created a new resource to share information and new tools to make it easy for you and your communities to get involved. Today, we are happy to announce the launch of our new NIHB SDPI Resource Center! Click Here to visit this new site and to start using this valuable tool.

This website will contain up to date information on the status of the renewal campaign in Congress; materials created by grantees and tribes that showcase successes and personal stories, state specific information, and a new tool – a Congressional Tracker – that will give you current information on your Member of Congress relevant to the SDPI renewal campaign.

» View New SDPI Website

It’s Official! Indian Health Care Improvement Act Permanent! Affordable Care Act Stands!

NIHB Celebrates the Supreme Court’s Health Reform Decision

June 28, 2012
In today’s landmark decision of National Federation of Independent Business et al. vs. Sebelius, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and affirms the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) included in the ACA. Now, with this important Supreme Court decision regarding the ACA with it permanent reauthorization of the IHCIA, the Indian health care system can begin a new chapter in the delivery of quality health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. NIHB will continue to fight to protect the ACA and the continuous improvement of health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives...

Read More (PDF)

U.S. Supreme Court rules for the Tribes in the Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter, Contract Support Cost (CSC) Case

On Monday, June 18th the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government must fully reimburse the Ramah Navajo Chapter and other Native American tribes for millions of dollars they spent on federal programs. The federal government had agreed to pay contract support costs to tribes that entered into agreements to manage federal programs, but Congress capped the amount of money earmarked for that reimbursement. The tribes sued, and the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver and said the money must be fully reimbursed. “Consistent with longstanding principles of government contracting law, we hold that the government must pay each tribe’s contract support costs in full,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for the majority. The U.S. Congress has long been keen to the funding issues that plague tribes, but it has never taken legislation actions for an appropriation solution. The high court now states that the executive branch must now make up the difference.

Attached below are both the April 18, 2012 Oral Argument transcript and the June 18, 2012 Decision of the Court.

Click here to view the Oral Argument.
Click here to view the Decision of the Court.

NIHB Submits Comments on Federally Facilitated Exchange (FFE)

On May 16th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance documents to advance the implementation of Insurance Exchange under the Affordable Care Act. One of these documents addressed the federally facilitated exchange. If a state decides not to operate an exchange, HHS will operate a federally facilitated exchange (FFE) in that state. This guidance describes how HHS will consult with stakeholders to implement a federally facilitated exchange, how states can collaborate with HHS through a state partnership exchange to implement certain functions of this exchange, and key policies for the exchange. Through the work of the MMPC, NIHB submitted comments regarding the FFE to the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) at Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday, June 18th.

Click here to read the comments.

NIHB Submits Comments on IHS-VA Draft Agreement Summary

On April 4, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted comments to the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the agencies’ draft agreement for reimbursement for direct health care services.

Click here to read the comments

TRIBAL INTEREST IN SUPREME COURT HEALTH REFORM CASE
NIHB, and Tribes, Make the Case to Protect Indian-Specific Provisions

With 449 Tribes and Tribal organizations from across the nation, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) filed an amicus brief to protect the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) and other Indian-specific provisions included in the ACA in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) case in the United States Supreme Court... Read More

NIHB Celebrates the 2nd Anniversary of Health Care Reform

Click Here for more information (PDF)

February 10, 2012 -
NIHB Co-Hosts a Tribal and State Health Collaborative Roundtable
February 3, 2012 - Atlanta, GA

On February 3, 2012, a Tribal and State Health Collaborative Roundtable was hosted by ASTHO, the National Indian Health Board, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and the Centers for Disease Control at the Marriott Century Center in Atlanta, GA. The meeting began with dinner at 6pm on Thursday, February 2nd and ended at 3pm on Friday, February 3rd. The purpose of this meeting was to assemble state and tribal health leaders to identify opportunities to improve state health and Medicaid agencies’ collaboration with tribal health leaders and to discuss pertinent issues in regard to public health programming, federal funding, and strategic relationships. Preliminary steps were taken to develop an action plan for on-going work among states, tribes, CDC and Center for Medicare and Medicaid. Based on discussions and work at this meeting, a primer will be developed to promote enhanced communication between new State Health Officers and Tribal Leaders and enhance collective understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Click here to view PDF

February 9, 2012 -
NIHB Participates in Drafting a Consensus Statement for the Internal Revenue Service’s Community Health Needs Assessment for Tax-exempt Hospitals

NIHB participated in the ASTHO Community Benefits Consensus Statement Meeting on February 6, 2012. The purpose of this meeting was to convene stakeholders to create a consensus statement to inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and non-profit hospitals on specific state and local public health expertise and inputs for community health needs assessments. NIHB attended the meeting on behalf of all federally recognized Tribes who may be running 501(c)(3) hospitals in Indian Country to ensure that AI/AN input was provided.

Meeting objectives included:

Identify key principals of consensus
Identify specific parameters to assure true engagement of public health experts in IRS required CHNA
Agree on common definitions which will be core guiding consensus recommendations
Identify current collaborations and opportunities among non-profit hospital for local and state health agencies to support of community health needs assessments
Identify next steps for stakeholders in addressing the role of public health in collaborating with hospitals conducting community health needs assessments, including a concept outlines and possible tools for departments of health and hospitals on leveraging public health

NIHB has since sent out information on the pending policy changes to Tribal leaders and health organizations potentially impacted. Please contact Paul Allis, Senior Public Health Manager at [email protected] for any questions or comments. The deadline for comments included in the draft consensus statement are due to ASTHO on February 9, 2012.

Jan 11, 2012 -
HHS Releases 2012 Tribal Budget and Regional Tribal Consultation Dates

On January 11th, the Department of Health and Human Services released a “Dear Tribal Leader Letter” inviting Tribes to the 14th Annual U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tribal Budget Consultation (ATBC) which will take place from March 7- 9, 2012, in the Great Hall of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building at 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC as well as to its 2012 Annual Regional Tribal Consultations held across the country.

Jan 9, 2012 -
NIHB Submits Comments on FACA to IHS

The National Indian Health Board has submitted comments to the Indian Health Service (IHS) in response to a November 9th “Dear Tribal Leader Letter” regarding the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and IHS Advisory Groups.

Click here to read NIHB’s comments.

Click here to read the “Dear Tribal Leader Letter”

Jan 6, 2012 -
OPM Releases Dear Tribal Leader Letter on FEHB

Dec 20, 2011 -
This weekend, Congress approved a $1 trillion omnibus appropriations package containing a 6% increase in funding to the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Please click here for details.

Update on Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Appropriations

Although Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 officially began on October 1st, Congress has yet to pass nine of the twelve appropriations bills for this year. This includes the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which contains funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS)...

Read More (PDF)

On December 2, 2011, the White House will host its third annual Tribal Nations Conference. NIHB has created fact sheets on current issues in Indian Health for the use of Tribal Leaders and others at this event.

The Indian Health Services Budget and Sequestration (PDF)

Affordable Care Act and Indian Health Care improvement Act Implementation (PDF)

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (PDF)

Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention (PDF)

Supercommittee Fails

On November 21st, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction aka Supercommittee officially admitted defeat in the quest to find $1.2 trillion in federal deficit reduction over the next 10 years.

Click here for more information on what this means for federal spending and the Indian Health Service.

Supreme Court to hear Health Reform Cases

On November 14th, the Supreme Court announced announced that it will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of various provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the controversial individual mandate, this March.

Click here for an NIHB update.

NIHB, NCAI, NCUIH Release Health Reform Survey

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), and the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) have been jointly awarded a grant from the Indian Health Service (IHS) to collaborate on the National Indian Health Education and Outreach initiative.

Through this partnership, our organizations are working together to develop the necessary tools and resources to assist Tribal nations and their communities in making more informed decisions about their new health care options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

In order to have a better understanding of what resources and tools Tribal nations and their communities might need regarding health care delivery and options, we are encouraging Tribal leaders, American Indian and Alaska Native community members, Tribal employers, and health directors to complete a survey on the ACA.

Click here to take the survey!

NIHB Comments on Proposed Rules Related to ACA

The National Indian Health Board commented on six proposed federal rules related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act on October 31st. Five of the proposed rules were issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regarding eligibility for federal health coverage and the establishment of new state-run health insurance exchanges (online marketplaces where consumers can compare pricing and services to choose the best health insurance option for themselves and their families):

Read full article

HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee: Current Vacancies, Nomination Request

In 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) and has successfully been meeting for nearly a year. The STAC was one of the first Cabinet Level Tribal Advisory Committee to any Secretary in the Administration...

Read full article

U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Releases Report on IHS and Forensic Data Collection in Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Cases

On October 26th, 2011, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report entitled, "Indian Health Service: Continued Efforts Needed to Help Strengthen Response to Sexual Assaults and Domestic Violence."...

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NIHB Board Member Sally Smith Testifies at Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Field Hearing

On October 22, 2011, NIHB Board Member and Alaska Area Representative, H. Sally Smith, testified at a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Field Hearing at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Entitled, “H.O.P.E. for the Future: Helping Our People Engage to Protect Our Youth,” the hearing centered on root causes of the youth suicide epidemic currently plaguing Indian Country and featured witnesses from the federal government, as well as Alaska Native witnesses. Ms. Smith’s testimony on behalf of NIHB focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a major cause of suicide and called for greater funding for the Indian Health Service, mental health studies, and suicide prevention grant programs.

Click here to read the testimony

Senators Urge Improvements to IHS Contract Health Services

On September 27th, seven senators from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius and IHS Director, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, urging the Secretary and other top administration officials to act quickly to improve health care delivery to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Senators pointed to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report issued September 23rd that highlights billing and other problems in the IHS system that make it difficult for American Indians and Alaska Natives to receive care from health providers and makes it difficult for health care providers offering the services to get reimbursed.

The senators requested that IHS submit a comprehensive corrective action plan to address each of the problems and recommendations made in the GAO report, including a timeline for (1) corrective actions, (2) a date when each action will be commenced, (3) a date when each action is expected to be completed, and (4) identifiable goals that will lead to completion of each corrective action.

To view the letter, please visit: http://bingaman.senate.gov/policy/gao_ihs.pdf

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report on Contract Health Services today.

The report is available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11767.pdf

Purpose of the Study: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires GAO to study the adequacy of federal funding for IHS’s CHS program. To examine program funding needs, IHS collects data on unfunded services—services for which funding was not available—from the federal and tribal CHS programs. GAO examined (1) the extent to which IHS ensures the data it collects on unfunded services are accurate to determine a reliable estimate of CHS program need, (2) the extent to which federal and tribal CHS programs report having funds available to pay for contract health services, and (3) the experiences of external providers in obtaining payment from the CHS program. GAO surveyed 66 federal and 177 tribal CHS programs and spoke to IHS officials and 23 providers.

What GAO Recommends: GAO recommends that HHS direct IHS to ensure unfunded services data are accurately recorded, CHS program funds management is improved, and provider communication is enhanced. HHS noted how IHS would address the recommendations; describing the proposed new method to estimate need. IHS’s steps will address some recommendations, but immediate steps are needed to improve the collection of unfunded services data to determine program need.

Presidential Proclamation -- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Since the 1970s, the rate of childhood obesity in our country has tripled, and today a third of American children are overweight or obese. This dramatic rise threatens to have far‑reaching, long-term effects on our children's health, livelihoods, and futures. Without major changes, a third of children born in the year 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes during their lifetimes, and many others will face obesity‑related problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma...Read Full Article

Living Within Our Means and Investing in Our Future: The President’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficient Reduction

The President’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction lives up to a simple idea: as a Nation, we can live within our means while still making the investments we need to prosper – from a jobs bill that is needed right now to long-term investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure. It follows a balanced approach: asking everyone to do their part, so no one has to bear a disproportionate share of the burden. And it says that everyone – including millionaires and billionaires – must pay their fair share. Pursuing a balanced approach to deficit reduction is critical to being able to keep our promises made to all Americans...Read Full Article

News Archive

2022

United States Supreme Court Skeptical of Federal Government’s Argument in Contract Support Cost Cases

NIHB Applauds Pope’s Embrace of Indigenous Knowledge in Addressing Climate Change

Department of Veterans Affairs Seeking Comment on Proposed Updates to Departmental Consultation Policy

Department of Veterans Affairs Releases Revised Draft Reimbursement Agreement

Tribal Leaders Participate in Inaugural Listening Session with Federal Agency

NIHB celebrates life of Cathy Abramson, former chairwoman and leader

FDA Releases Alert Concerning Certain Cinnamon Products Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

Congress Passes FY 2024 Spending Bill; IHS Flat Funded, SDPI Increased

SAMHSA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER

New Indian Country Legislation for February 2024

NIHB Coordinates Visits on Capitol Hill in Conjunction with National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session

SCIA Legislative Hearing on February 8, 2024

Elimination of the Tribal Non-Federal Share for Tribal Support Program at the ACF

Tribal Leaders Discuss Who Should be Included in the Definition of “Indian Tribe”

ACL Held a Tribal Consultation on its Draft Tribal Consultation Policy

Administration Seeks to Invest $250 Million in Indian Country To Combat the Opioid Crisis, Part of Broader Federal Effort to Address the Crisis

The Opioid Crisis in Indian Country

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTRE CONSULTATOIN

OPIOID LEGISLATION PASSES THROUGH SENATE HELP COMMITTEE

Listening Session on National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

NIHB Hosting Townhall Meeting on HHS Tribal Data Access Policy

White House Announces Virtual Engagement on E.O. 14112

IHS Health Information Technology Summit Addresses Modernization Initiative’s Funding, Staffing, and Rollout

November STAC Covers Funding Updates and Tribal Community Outreach

White House Holds Tribal Nations Summit: President Biden Issues New Executive Order on Tribal Funding and Revised IHS/VA Reimbursement Agreement

2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit Announced

Tell Congress to Support Tribal Sovereignty in Fight Against the Opioid/Fentanyl Crisis

Tribes now eligible for Opioid Overdose Emergency Medication

Native Coalition to Congress: "Native lives are not a political bargaining chip"

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians Expires this Month – Contact Your Member of Congress TODAY!

Special News for Indian Country: Tribal Consultation on President Biden’s FY 2025 Budget

NIHB MMPC Needs Tribal Leaders to ﻿Submit Comments on Older Americans Act to Better Serve Elders

Reminder: NIHB to Host Tribal Caucus for the Tribal Consultation Session on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy

NIHB to Host Tribal Caucus for the Tribal Consultation Session on the IHS Tribal Consultation Policy

Senate Advances NDAA legislation with an Amendment to renew NAHASDA

IHS Issues Dear Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter on the Syphilis Epidemic Affecting AI/AN Communities

National Indian Health Board Holds Second Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

Special News for Indian Country: NIHB Travels to Geneva to Support Indigenous Health

IHS Issues Dear Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leader Letter on COVID-19 Supplemental Appropriations

NIH 'All of Us' Research Program Hosting Tribal Engagement Sessions

ICWA STANDS!

NIHB Advocates Internationally, WHO Adopts Indigenous Peoples Health Resolution

Please Join NIHB for a Tribal Caucus on upcoming Tribal Consultation in advance of OMB Tribal Consultation on Proposed IHS Mandatory Funding

HHS Inspector General: Fraud Schemes Targeting Tribal Communities with Behavioral Health Treatment Centers

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the 2023 Heroes in Health

Office of Management and Budget Hosting Tribal Consultation on Proposed IHS Mandatory Funding

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the importance of Culture as a pathway to healing and healthcare at the 40th annual Tribal health conference

House of Representatives Passes the “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” – Includes Potentially Disastrous Reductions for Indian Health

National Indian Health Board Holds First Quarter Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Meeting

Chairwoman Alkire: U.S. not fulfilling its promises on Indian Healthcare

NIHB Supports $35 Insulin Cap

Chairman Smith Testifies on Appropriately Funding Indian Healthcare

NIHB, NCUIH, and NCAI Celebrate Historic Inclusion of Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service

National Indian Health Board Holds Fourth Quarter Board of Directors Meeting

National Indian Health Board to host National Tribal Health Conference in Anchorage in May 2023

Call for Native Artists!

NIHB Launches Podcast Series to Increase Healthcare Access in Indian Country

NIHB and Allies Call on the United States to Enact Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service

Agenda Available - Tribal Briefing for White House Tribal Nations Summit

NIHB Letter of Support to Seat Cherokee Nation Delegate-Designee Kim Teehee

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Sign on to Letter Supporting Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations

Sign on to Letters Supporting Indian Health Service Advance Appropriations

National Indian Health Board Supports the National Indian Child Welfare Act

NIHB Board of Directors Advocate for Advance Appropriations in Congress

Congress Passes Temporary Government Funding Measure

The call for health equity rang loud on Capitol Hill during the 2022 National Tribal Health Conference

The National Indian Health Board celebrates the 2022 Heroes in Health

The National Indian Health Board celebrates 50 years as an organization at the 39th annual Tribal health conference

Three Native American Women Assume Influential National Positions Within the Administration and Congress

National Indian Health Board's CEO Stacy Bohlen joins The Atlantic Festival to speak on health equity in Indian Country

Roselyn Tso to Serve as Next Indian Health Service Director

How the Pandemic Shortened Life Expectancy in Indigenous Communities

Tribes Share Initial Support: NIHB and NCAI Seek Tribal Testimony on Advance Appropriations

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Passes HISTORIC INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022; SEVERAL TARGETED PROVISIONs to BENEFIT TRIBAL NATION

Critical NIHB/NCAI Survey Regarding Advance Appropriations/Government Shut Downs

National Indian Health Board Announces A.C. Locklear as New Federal Relations Director

SENATE PASSES BILL WITH HISTORIC CLIMATE, ENERGY PROVISIONS FOR NATIVE COMMUNITIES

US Senate Committee on Appropriations Releases FY 2023 Appropriations Bills with Historic Commitment to Advance Appropriations for Indian Health Service

NIHB MMPC Needs Tribal Leaders to Submit Comments on Older Americans Act to Better Serve Elders

NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen Inducted into WEWIN Warrior Women’s Circle