News Archive
2013
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
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...
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...
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...
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 lheintzman@nihb.com 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...
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!
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 lheintzman@nihb.org 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 COUNTRYWashington, 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.
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.
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 consultation@ihs.gov.
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.
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...
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.
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 pallis@nihb.org 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
Read More
2011
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)...
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):
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...
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."...
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
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