We are writing with an update on the implementationofIHCIA § 409, “Access to Federal Insurance” which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act. This provision authorizes Tribes and Tribal organizations operating programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (lSDEAA) and urban Indian organizations operating programs under title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (lHCIA) to purchase coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) for their employees.

Consistent with this provision, the u.s. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will implement the FEHB and FEGLI Programs to enable Tribes and Tribal organizations carrying out programs under the ISDEAA, and urban Indian organizations carrying out programs under IHCIA title V, to purchase coverage for all of their employees. We have been working diligently to establish a schedule and timeline for regional consultation sessions so that we may begin to consult with Tribal representatives about issues related to the process through which Tribal employees will be able to access this coverage.