House Energy and Commerce Holds Legislative Hearing on ACA including NCUIH’s Bill on 100% FMAP for UIOs

On March 23, 2021, the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a legislative hearing on “Building on the ACA: Legislation to Expand Health Coverage and Lower Costs.” The hearing included a review of several key pieces of legislation including a top priority for urban Indian health and NCUIH – the extension of 100% FMAP to UIOs permanently.

The bill, H.R. 1888, the “Improving Access to Indian Health Services Act”, introduced by Rep. Ruiz (D-CA), would increase the FMAP for Urban Indian Health Programs to 100 percent. It would also authorize Medicaid payment for services furnished by Tribal facilities outside of the four walls of the facility. At the hearing, Dr. Ruiz emphasized that there is no sound policy reason for excluding Urban Indian Organizations from eligibility for the 100% FMAP and advocated for the Committee to pass H.R. 1888.

Why Does this Matter to UIOs?:

NCUIH has been working on permanent 100% FMAP for UIOs closely with our Congressional leaders. The federal government has a trust obligation to pay 100% FMAP rates for all IHS-beneficiaries regardless of their physical location. This is a necessary parity fix for urban Indian organizations.

Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

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