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 4.2 years less than that for the U.S. all races population; and

WHEREAS, devastating impacts from historical trauma, poverty, and a lack of adequate treatment resources continue to plague Tribal communities. Suicide rates are nearly 50 percent higher for AI/ANs compared to non-Hispanic whites; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 2759, Mental Health Improvement Act of 2015 would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Part B of the Medicare program; amends Medicare Part E to exclude such services from the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system; and Authorizes marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to develop
discharge plans for post-hospital services; and