Biden Releases COVID-19 Strategy Plan Prioritizing Urban Indian Health

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The new Administration will bolster support for Tribal Nations and Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) by affirming the ability and building the capacity of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribes, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, and UIHPs to provide vaccines for Native communities. The federal government will take all available steps to strengthen distribution and ordering for Tribes and Urban Indian Health Providers. President Biden has called on Congress to provide additional funds to IHS to support expanded health services, address lost revenues, and support testing and vaccination efforts.

House Releases Indian Health Draft COVID-19 Bills

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The bill draft includes $84 million for urban Indian health and 2 years of 100% FMAP for UIOs.

On February 9, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released their draft bill text for the budget reconciliation package on COVID-19 relief. The markup of these drafts will happen by the Full Committee on February 11. The drafts include $6.1 billion for Indian health programs with $84 million for urban Indian health and two years of 100% FMAP to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) for Medicaid services for IHS-beneficiaries.

100% FMAP for UIOs has been a long-standing priority for NCUIH. In recent weeks, NCUIH has worked closely with key Congressional leaders to push for the inclusion of 100% FMAP for UIOs. Last week, three Senators spoke on the Senate floor about prioritizing Indian health and ensuring that UIOs would be eligible for full FMAP. Rep. Ruiz also led a letter signed by over 2 dozen House Representatives to request full FMAP for UIOs in the budget reconciliation package.

The Indian health provisions reflect many recommendations in the tribal inter-organization letter sent on February 2. These investments for Indian health will be critical for shoring up necessary resources to combat COVID-19 as January “was the deadliest so far in the US, with 958 recorded Native deaths – a 35% increase since December, a bigger rise than for any other group”.

Next Steps

The Committee will host a markup and the House plans to vote on the full package the week of February 22. NCUIH will continue to push for long-term 100% FMAP for UIOs and urge Congressional leaders to support inclusion of the many Indian health wins in the budget reconciliation package.

Overview of Indian Health Provisions

  • $6.094 billion in funding for Indian health programs
  • $2 billion for lost revenue
  • $500 million for Purchased/Referred Care
  • $140 million for information technologies, telehealth, and electronic health records infrastructure
  • $84 million for urban Indian health programs
  • $600 million for vaccine-related activities
  • $1.5 billion for testing, tracing, and mitigating COVID-19
  • $240 million for public health workforce
  • $420 million for mental and behavioral health prevention and treatment services among Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations
  • $600 million for funding support of tribal health care facilities and infrastructure
  • $10 million for potable water delivery.

Legislation Recommendations and Memorandum

Resource: Urban Indian Health Spending Fact Sheet

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On January 13, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) released a new resource on urban Indian health spending. The spending fact sheet shows a comparison for average health care spending of $11,172 per person, however, Tribal and Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities receive only $4,078 per American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patient from the IHS budget. Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) receive just $672 per AI/AN patient from the IHS budget. This fact sheet is for policymakers to have a better idea of the disparities that exist within the health care system. NCUIH will continue to advocate for parity in health care spending for UIOs and AI/ANs.

Why is this important to UIOs?

  • Health care spending for AI/AN patients is far lower than average spending per patient in the broader health care system.

Read the Fact Sheet here.

NCUIH Secures Huge Wins for Urban Indians in Final Enacted COVID-19 and Omnibus Bills

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Policy Update: NCUIH Secures Huge Wins for Urban Indians in Final Enacted COVID-19 and Omnibus Bills

The bills include a $5 million increase for urban Indian health, FTCA, VA-IHS reimbursements, SDPI extension and COVID-19 renovation funds for UIOs.

On December 27, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021” (H.R. 133), consisting of a COVID-19 pandemic relief bill and an omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 was signed into law. Due to the tireless advocacy by NCUIH and UIOs, there are many monumental wins for urban Indian health. Throughout the year, NCUIH assisted with facilitating over 25 calls for UIOs with federal agencies and held over 100 meetings with Congress. NCUIH representatives testified in over 13 Congressional hearings to advocate for the many long-standing priorities that were included in the final package.

Your advocacy and participation in the federal government process was critical to the adoption of the most robust urban Indian health provisions in over 50 years.

Short Overview

In summary, the package included the following National Council for Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) priorities for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs):

  • $62.7 million for Urban Indian Health in FY21, a $5 million increase from FY20
  • $1 million to conduct an infrastructure study for facilities run by UIOs
    • NCUIH is working with IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs now to review the next steps on the study.
  • Reimbursement from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to UIOs for urban Native veterans’ health
    • In 2010, the VA issued a MOU stating that all Indian Health Care Providers were eligible for reimbursement for services to Native veterans. NCUIH has fought tooth and nail with the Administration on their narrow interpretation of this MOU to be exclusive of UIOs. This legislation now expressly affirms that the VA must reimburse UIOs for services provided to veterans.
  • FTCA Coverage for UIOs
    • For over 20 years, FTCA coverage for UIOs has been a top priority and finally, for the first time ever, UIOs will no longer have to pay for costly insurance coverage for health providers. This will save a single UIO up to $250,000 annually!

The package provides the following for IHS, Tribal organizations and UIOs:

  • $210 million from CDC to IHS to I/T/U for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration
    • NCUIH requested a minimum of 5% set-aside for I/T/U and $210 million is equal to 4.67%.
    • Funds “may be used for grants for the construction, alteration, or renovation of non-Federally owned facilities to improve preparedness and response capability” related to COVID-19, which was confirmed by IHS on January 5, 2021. IHS explained that they are exploring alternative mechanisms including IHCIA Contracts for UIOs to use the funds related to facility improvements from the $210 million. NCUIH will advocate that UIOs should be eligible for this funding through IHCIA contracts. We will continue to monitor and follow up with IHS as more information becomes available.
  • $790 million to IHS for I/T/U for necessary expenses for testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation
    • These funds must be made available within 21 days: January 17, 2021.
    • On a UIO leaders call with IHS on January 5, 2021, IHS stated that UIOs are eligible to use these funds for the “rent, lease, purchase, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation, or equipping of non-federally owned facilities to improve coronavirus preparedness and response capability.”
  • Extends SDPI through FY2023 at current levels ($150 million annually)
  • $125 million set aside for I/T/U in funding for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • $15 million to make payments under the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program
  • Obesity prevention and reduction programs in consultation with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations
  • Establish “Sec. 330n. Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes” in Title 3 of the Public Health Service Act to include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations

Next Steps

  • NCUIH submitted Urban Confer comments regarding the COVID-19 relief supplemental to IHS on Friday, January 8, 2021 and will continue to work with IHS on the UIO infrastructure study.

Analysis

Urban Indian Health

  • $62.7 million for Urban Indian Health in FY21, a $5 million increase from FY20
  • $1 million to conduct an infrastructure study for facilities run by UIOs
  • FTCA Coverage for UIOs (H.R. 6535/S. 3650)
    • Note: This bill was also enacted on January 5, 2021, in addition to being included in the package.
  • Urban Native Veterans Health Access Act
    • Reimbursement from VA to UIOs for urban Native veterans’ health

Indian Health Service

  • $6.236 billion in agency funding for IHS in FY21
    • ~$189 million over the FY2020 enacted level

Facilities

  • $58 million to IHS for costs for accreditation emergencies and supplementing activities funded under the heading ‘‘Indian Health Facilities’’
  • $72.28 million for the Indian Health Facilities account

105(l) Leases

  • $101 million indefinite appropriation
    • Does not include restrictive language based on square footage

Health and Human Services (HHS)

IHS / Tribal Facilities / Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)

  • National Health Service Corps
    • $15 million to Indian Health Service facilities, Tribally Operated Health Programs, and Urban Indian Health Programs to make payments under the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program
  • Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC)
    • $22 million in funding for the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) program
  • Minority HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Program
    • $1.5 million Tribal set-aside under the Minority HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Program

HRSA

Native Hawaiian Health Care

  • $20.5 million (minimum) for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program

COVID-19 Response

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

  • $8.75 billion for CDC-wide activities and program support to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally

IHS / Tribal Facilities / Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)

  • $210 million shall be allocated to IHS to be distributed through IHS directly operated programs, Tribes and Tribal organizations, and UIOs to plan, prepare for, promote, distribute, administer, monitor, and track coronavirus vaccines to ensure broad-based distribution access and vaccine coverage
    • Funds “may be used for grants for the construction, alteration, or renovation of non-Federally owned facilities to improve preparedness and response capability” related to COVID-19, which was confirmed by IHS on January 5, 2021.

Tribal Use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP)

  • “CDC is directed to work with the Indian Health Service to ensure Federally-operated and tribally operated healthcare facilities benefit from the CDC’s PDMP efforts”

VA-TAC

  • The final bill also outlines concerns with the Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC), noting in the explanatory statement that “The agreement directs the Director, in consultation with the TAC, to develop written guidelines for each CDC center, institute, and office on best practices around delivery of Tribal technical assistance and consideration of unique Tribal public health needs. The goal of such guidelines should be the integration of Tribal communities and population needs into CDC programs. The Director shall report on the status of development of these written guidelines in the fiscal year 2022 Congressional Justification”.
    • Note: The TAC includes UIOs

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)

  • $4.25 billion to provide increased mental health and substance abuse services and support

IHS / Tribal Facilities / Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)

  • $125 million (minimum) set aside for I/T/U under SAMHSA for mental/behavioral health

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction

  • $11,000,000 for grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, or consortia. The agreement directs SAMHSA to ensure grants allow the use of medication-assisted treatment and other clinically appropriate services to achieve and maintain abstinence from all opioids, including programs that offer low-barrier or same day treatment options.
    • Note: UIOs are not specified, though a 2018 NOFO did list UIOs as eligible

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

IHS / Tribal Facilities / Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)

  • $790 million to I/T/U for necessary expenses for testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation
    • IHS stated that UIOs are eligible to use these funds for the “rent, lease, purchase, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation, or equipping of non-federally owned facilities to improve coronavirus preparedness and response capability.”
    • Funds available until September 30, 2022
    • Includes language authorizing transfer of funds to IHS
    • Requires funds to be dispersed within 21 days
    • Requires Tribes, states and other funding recipients to update their plans within 60 days of receiving funds

SPECIAL DIABETES PROGRAM FOR INDIANS (SDPI)

  • Extends SDPI through FY2023 at current levels ($150 million annually)
    • Includes language reaffirming the existing protections against balance billing of AI/ANs under Indian Health Care Improvement Act and requirement that inpatient hospitals accept the Medicare-Like Rate as “payment in full” when contracting with IHS/Tribes under Purchased/Referred Care

GUIDE ON EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES FOR OBESITY PREVENTION PROGRAMS

IHS / Tribal Facilities / Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)

  • Obesity prevention and reduction programs in consultation with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations

BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY GRANTS

  • $1 billion for the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information to expand broadband, remote learning, telework, and telehealth access and adoption by grants to the following qualifying entities:
    • Tribal governments; Tribal Colleges or Universities; Tribal Organizations; Alaska Native Corporations, or the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (Does Not Include UIOs)

PUBLIC HEALTH PROVISIONS

Public Health Service Act

  • Establish “Sec. 330n. Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes” in Title 3 of the Public Health Service Act to develop a program for eligible entities to expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, to improve retention of health care providers, and increase access to health care services in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas and for medically underserved populations or Native Americans.
    • Eligible entities include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations
    • Authorizes $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to carry out this section

The full legislative text of the entire year-end package can be found here

The Explanatory Statement (Report) for FY2021 Interior (Division G) can be found here

The Explanatory Statement (Report) for FY2021 LHHS (Division H) can be found here

 

Topic Section Funding Language
Urban Indian Health Urban Indian Health $62,684,000
  1. : See chart for language
UIO Infrastructure Study $1,000,000
  1. : “$1,000,000 is provided to conduct an infrastructure study for facilities run by urban Indian organizations (UIOs)”
FTCA –
  1. : See chart for language
IHS-VA MOU – reimbursement from VA to UIOs who provide services to AI/AN veterans –
  1. : “Section 405 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1645) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ‘urban Indian organizations,’ before ‘and tribal organizations’; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by inserting ‘urban Indian organization,’ before ‘or tribal organization’; and (B) by inserting ‘an urban Indian organization,’ before ‘or a tribal organization’.”
Indian Health Service (IHS) IHS funding $6,236,279,000
  1. : “The bill provides a total of $6,236,279,000 for the Indian Health Service (IHS)”
Costs for accreditation emergencies and supplementing activities funded under the heading ‘‘Indian Health Facilities’’ $58,000,000
  1. : “That of the funds provided, $58,000,000 shall be for costs related to or resulting from accreditation emergencies, including supplementing activities funded under the heading ‘‘Indian Health Facilities,’’ of which up to $4,000,000 may be used to supplement amounts otherwise available for Purchased/Referred Care
Indian Health Care Improvement Fund $72,280,000
  1. : “Provided further, That of the funds provided, $72,280,000 is for the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund and may be used, as needed, to carry out activities typically funded under the Indian Health Facilities account”
105(l) leases indefinite appropriation $101,000,000
  1. : “The bill includes language establishing an indefinite appropriation for payment of Tribal leases under section 105(1) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which are estimated to be $101,000,000 in fiscal year 2021.”
Health and Human Services NHSC Loan Repayment Program $15,000,000
  1. : “That, within the amount made available in the previous proviso, $15,000,000 shall remain available until expended for the purposes of making payments under the NHSC Loan Repayment Program under section 338B of the PHS Act to individuals participating in such program who provide primary health services in Indian Health Service facilities, Tribally-Operated 638 Health Programs, and Urban Indian Health Programs”
Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country $22,000,000
Minority HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Program $1,500,000
  1. : “The agreement includes $1,500,000 as a Tribal set-aside within the Minority HIV/ AIDS Prevention and Treatment program.”
HRSA— Hawaiian Health Care Program $20,500,000
  1. “Native Hawaiian Health Care. -The agreement includes no less than $20,500,000 for the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program.”
COVID-19 Response CDC COVID-19 Response $8,750,000,000
  1. : “For an additional amount for ‘CDC–Wide Activities and Program Support’, $8,750,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2024, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally”
CDC to IHS to I/T/U for COVID $210,000,000
  1. : “That of the amount in the preceding proviso, $210,000,000, shall be transferred to the ‘Department of Health and Human Services—Indian Health Service—Indian Health Services’ to be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the Indian Health Service and distributed through Indian Health Service directly operated programs and to tribes and tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and through contracts or grants with urban Indian organizations under title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act”   Pgs. 1822-1823: “That amounts appropriated under this heading in this Act may be used for grants for the construction, alteration, or renovation of non-Federally owned facilities to improve preparedness and response capability at the State and local level.”
SAMHSA— Heath Surveillance and Program Support $4,250,000,000
  1. : “For an additional amount for ‘Heath Surveillance and Program Support’, $4,250,000,000, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally”
Set aside for I/T/U in funding for SAMHSA $125,000,000
  1. : “That from within the amount appropriated under this heading in this Act in the previous provisos, a total of not less than $125,000,000 shall be allocated to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health or behavioral health service providers to tribes”
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction $11,000,000
  1. “Medication-Assisted Treatment for Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction.- Within the amount, the agreement includes $11,000,000 for grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, or consortia. The agreement directs SAMHSA to ensure grants allow the use of medication-assisted treatment and other clinically appropriate services to achieve and maintain abstinence from all opioids, including programs that offer low-barrier or same day treatment options.”
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund IHS to I/T/U for testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation $790,000,000
  1. : “That of the amount appropriated under this paragraph in this Act, $790,000,000, shall be transferred to the ‘Department of Health and Human Services—Indian Health Service—Indian Health Services’ to be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the Indian Health Service and distributed through Indian Health Service directly operated programs and to tribes and tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and through contracts or grants with urban Indian organizations under title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act”   Pg. 1840: “That funds an entity receives from amounts described in the first proviso in this paragraph may also be used for the rent, lease, purchase, acquisition, construction, alteration, renovation, or equipping of non-federally owned facilities to improve coronavirus preparedness and response capability at the State and local level”
Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) SDPI Extends SDPI through FY2023 at current levels
  1. : “(a) TYPE I.—Section 330B(b)(2)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c–2(b)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ‘2020, and $32,465,753 for the period beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on December 18, 2020’ and inserting ‘2023’. (b) INDIANS. —Section 330C(c)(2)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c–3(c)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ‘2020, and $32,465,753 for the period beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on December 18, 2020’ and inserting ‘2023’.”
Guide on Evidence-Based Strategies for Public Health Department Obesity Prevention Programs Obesity prevention and reduction programs in consultation with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations Creation of a guide of evidence-based strategies
  1. : “The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, may— develop a guide on evidence-based strategies for State, territorial, and local health departments to use to build and maintain effective obesity prevention and reduction programs, and, in consultation with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations”
Broadband Connectivity Grants Tribal Broadband $1,000,000,000
  1. : “There is appropriated to the Assistant Secretary, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, to remain available until expended— (1) $1,000,000,000 for grants under subsection 15 (c)” […] “(c) TRIBAL BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM.— (1) TRIBAL BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY GRANTS.—The Assistant Secretary shall use the funds made available under subsection (b)(1) to implement a program to make grants to eligible entities to expand access to and adoption of— (A) broadband service on Tribal land; (B) remote learning, telework, or telehealth resources during the COVID–19 pandemic.”
Public Health Provisions Title 3 of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting Sec. 330N $10,000,000
  1. : “Title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 330M (42 U.S.C. 254c–19) the following: SEC. 330N. EXPANDING CAPACITY FOR HEALTH OUTCOMES. (a) DEFINITIONS. —In this section: (1) ELIGIBLE ENTITY. —The term ‘eligible entity’ means an entity that provides, or supports the provision of, health care services in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas, or to medically underserved populations or Native Americans, including Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations […] (b) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.—The Secretary shall, as appropriate, award grants to evaluate, develop, and, as appropriate, expand the use of technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, to improve retention of health care providers and increase access to health care services, such as those to address chronic diseases and conditions, infectious diseases, mental health, substance use disorders, prenatal and maternal health, pediatric care, pain management, palliative care, and other specialty care in rural areas, frontier areas, health professional shortage areas, or medically underserved areas and for medically underserved populations or Native Americans. […] (k) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. —There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.’’

House Passed NCUIH IHS – VA Bill

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On December 3, the House passed the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act (H.R. 4153) which would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) to enable the VA to reimburse Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) for services to VA beneficiaries at urban Indian health centers.

This passage comes after advocacy from NCUIH and other national organizations serving American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). On July 15, 2019, NCAI passed a resolution calling on the United States Congress to enact legislation requiring the Veterans Affairs Administration to reimburse UIOs for health care provided to AI/AN veterans. Following the resolution, NCUIH testified before Congress on Native Veterans’ access to healthcare, asking the Department of Veterans Affairs to “fully implement the VA and Indian Health Services’ Memorandum of Understanding (VA-IHS MOU) and Reimbursement Agreement for Direct Health Care Services.”

On December 4, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and National Indian Health Board (NIHB) wrote a letter urging Congress to ensure the passage of this bill before the end of the year.

 

Why does this matter to UIOs?
  • Most AI/AN veterans live in urban areas and would benefit from the culturally competent care provided at UIOs. Reimbursement for these services would allow UIOs to adequately serve Native Veterans.

PRESS RELEASE: First-Ever Standalone NCUIH Bill Passes Congress to Shore Up Resources for Urban Indians

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

December 20, 2020 (Washington, DC) – On December 20, the Senate voted to pass to H.R. 6535 by unanimous consent to pass H.R. 6535 to extend Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian organizations (UIOs) instead of having to divert scarce resources away from health care to foot exorbitant insurance costs. On December 17, the United States House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent under suspension of the rules. The passage of this non-controversial bill is a step forward in creating parity within the Indian Health System to ensure that the trust and treaty responsibility is upheld by the US government.

“We applaud Congress and the Administration for their steadfast efforts to help urban Indian health workers get coverage like their other IHS and Tribal counterparts as we are in the midst of a pandemic. As our frontline workers risk their lives in this pandemic that is devastating Indian Country, this will be critical to saving Native lives and will increase available health care services. We are thankful to Senators Smith, Lankford, Udall, Hoeven and Schumer along with our House leaders, Representatives Gallego, Mullin, Grijalva, Pallone, Young, and Cole” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), NCUIH CEO.

In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that across 23 states, cumulative incidence rates of lab-confirmed COVID-19 among AI/ANs are 3.5 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites. Also, according to CDC, COVID-19 hospitalization among AI/ANs were 4.7 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites. As this pandemic devastates Indian Country, UIOs have been forced to make extremely difficult choices – facing competing priorities and expenses, like increased PPE and renovation costs, in addition to very costly malpractice insurance. As of November, “the Oklahoma City IHS Area now has the highest total number of cases” and the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is one of the UIOs that pays the highest annual rate for medical malpractice insurance. If provided insurance parity with IHS and Tribal facilities, this UIO alone could direct up to an additional $250,000 to patient care at a time when increased access to care is needed most.

This legislation has broad bipartisan support in both chambers and is endorsed by IHS. NCAI also has a standing resolution supporting this legislation, Resolution #PDX-20-038, “Supporting Extension of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Coverage to Urban Indian Organizations.”

Next Steps

H.R. 6535 will now go to the President for his signature.

House Passes NCUIH Bill to Extend FTCA Coverage to Urban Indian Health Workers

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December 17, 2020

Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 6535 to extend Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian organizations (UIOs), which would put a stop to having to divert scarce resources away from health care to foot exorbitant insurance costs. This bill was passed by unanimous consent under suspension of the rules and will now be referred to the Senate for further consideration.

“We applaud the House, especially Rep. Ruben Gallego and Rep. Markwayne Mullin, for their steadfast efforts to help urban Indian health workers get coverage like their other IHS and Tribal counterparts. We urge the Senate to move quickly to pass this law before the end of this Congress. As we battle this pandemic that is devastating Indian Country, this will be critical to save Native lives and will increase available health care services,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), NCUIH CEO.

In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that across 23 states, cumulative incidence rates of lab-confirmed COVID-19 among AI/ANs are 3.5 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites.1 Also, according to CDC, COVID-19 hospitalization among AI/ANs were 4.7 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites. As this pandemic devastates Indian Country, UIOs have been forced to make extremely difficult choices – facing competing priorities and expenses, like increased PPE and renovation costs, in addition to very costly malpractice insurance. As of November, “the Oklahoma City IHS Area now has the highest total number of cases” and the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is one of the UIOs that pays the highest annual rate for medical malpractice insurance. If provided insurance parity with IHS and Tribal facilities, this UIO alone could direct up to an additional $250,000 to patient care at a time when increased access to care is needed most.

This legislation has broad bipartisan support in both chambers and is endorsed by IHS. NCAI also has a standing resolution supporting this legislation, Resolution #PDX-20-038, “Supporting Extension of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Coverage to Urban Indian Organizations.”

Next Steps

H.R. 6535 will now be referred to the Senate for further consideration. On December 4, 2020, NCUIH and the National Congress of American Indians sent a letter to Congress to urge them to pass this bill before the end of the year and will continue to work with the Senate to encourage swift passage.

Background

Contact:

Meredith Raimondi

Director of Congressional Relations

mraimondi@ncuih.org

COVID-19 RELIEF BILLS Include Support for Indian Country Including Urban Indians

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The proposal begins to address the many urgent needs of Indian Country.

On December 14, a bipartisan group of lawmakers released two bills totaling $908 billion that would provide economic relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including several Indian Country relief measures. The first bill titled “Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020,” provides $748 billion in unemployment assistance, COVID-19 vaccine funding, health care funding, and other emergency relief. The second bill, “Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protections Act,” allocates $160 billion for state, local, and tribal government aid and liability protection for business.

In summary, the first bill provides the following for IHS, tribal organizations and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs):

  • $1 billion in to IHS in Provider Relief Funds
  • $350 million to IHS for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing purposes
  • $129 million from CDC to IHS to carry out activities with respect to coronavirus vaccine distribution, administration, and communications
  • $185 million set aside for Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations for substance use disorder and behavioral health efforts

On December 4, 2020, NCUIH, NCAI, and NIHB wrote a letter to Congress regarding this COVID-19 package. In the letter, the organizations requested $2 billion in emergency funds to Indian Health Service (IHS) for immediate distribution to Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program/UIO (I/T/U) system, minimum $1 billion to replenish lost third-party reimbursements across the I/T/U system, a minimum five percent I/T/U funding set-aside for vaccine distribution and administration, and long-term reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI).

Next Steps

  • Congress is close to an agreement and will continue negotiations to pass a final relief package.
  • NCUIH will continue to monitor developments.

Summary

FUNDING: EMERGENCY CORONAVIRUS RELIEF ACT OF 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND

  • This bill provides $1 billion in Provider Relief Funds to IHS to assist IHS directly operated programs, programs operated by tribes and tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations
    • $700 million shall be used to supplement reduced third-party revenue collections
    • $200 million shall be allocated at the discretion of the Director of IHS for maintenance and improvement projects or construction of existing or new temporary structures necessary to the purposes specified in this Act, for water and sanitation infrastructure, or for other needs at IHS and tribal facilities
    • $100 million shall be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the IHS for additional expenditures necessary to the purposes specified within this Act

VACCINE TESTING AND CONTACT TRACING

  • Provides $350 million to IHS, which may allocate the funds to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing purposes

 

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Provides $6 billion for CDC-wide activities and program support with $2.58 billion to be made available for vaccine distribution and administration
    • $129 million shall be allocated to IHS to fund IHS directly operated programs, programs operated by tribes and tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, and health service providers to tribes to carry out activities with respect to coronavirus vaccine distribution, administration, and communications
    • The remainder of the $2.58 billion allocation can be made available for other activities regarding COVID-19, including grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to States, localities, territories, tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes to provide additional assistance with distribution and administration of coronavirus vaccines, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

  • $3.15 billion allocated for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) program support
    • $1.3 billion shall be for the State Opioid Response Grant
    • $50 million shall be made available to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations
    • $185 million set aside for Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations for substance use disorder and behavioral health efforts

 

FUNDING: BIPARTISAN STATE AND LOCAL SUPPORT AND SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTIONS ACT

CORONAVIRUS LOCAL COMMUNITY STABILIZATION FUND

  • Provides $160 billion to the Coronavirus Local Community Stabilization Fund for State and Tribal entities
    • Of this amount, $8 billion shall be reserved for Tribal entities and 60 % be allocated based on relative population of each Tribal entity and 40% based on the number of employees for each Tribal entity

 

Topic Funding/Section Language
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund $1,000,000,000 “That of the amount made available under this paragraph in this Act, not less than $1,000,000,000 shall be transferred to the Indian Health Service, which may allocate the funds for Indian Health Service directly operated programs, programs operated by tribes and tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.5301 et seq.), and contracts or grants with Urban Indian organizations under title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)”
$700,000,000 “$700,000,000 shall be used to supplement reduced third party revenue collections”
$200,000,000 “$200,000,000 shall be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the Indian Health Service for maintenance and improvement projects or construction of existing or new temporary structures necessary to the purposes specified in this Act, for water and sanitation infrastructure, or for other needs at Indian Health Service and tribal facilities”
$100,000,000 “$100,000,000 shall be allocated at the discretion of the Director of the Indian Health Service for additional expenditures necessary to the purposes specified within this Act”
Vaccine Testing and Contact Tracing $350,000,000 “transfer $350,000,000 to the Director of the Indian Health Service, which may allocate the funds to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes for such purposes.”
Vaccine Distribution and Administration $6,000,000,000,

 

 “For an additional amount for ‘‘CDC-Wide Activities and Program Support’’, $6,000,000,000 to remain available until expended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally, including for distribution and administration of and communications about coronavirus vaccines”
$2,580,000,000 “From the $6,000,000,000 appropriated under the heading ‘‘Department of Health and Human Services—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—CDC-Wide Activities and Program Support’’, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall make available— $2,580,000,000 for activities described in paragraph (3) (Vaccine distribution and administration)”
$129,000,000 “$129,000,000 shall be transferred to the Indian Health Service, which may, in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allocate the funds for Indian Health Service directly operated programs, for programs operated by tribes and tribal organizations

under the Indian Self-Determination and

Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301

10 et seq.), for contracts or grants with urban

Indian organizations under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C.

13 1601 et seq.), and for health service providers to tribes to carry out activities with respect to coronavirus vaccine distribution, administration, and communications.”
Remainder of $2,580,000,000 “From the amount made available under paragraph (1)(B) and not allocated under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make available the remainder of such amount for other activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally, including—[…] a contingency fund for additional amounts the Secretary may award, including through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, to States, localities, territories, tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes to provide additional assistance with distribution and administration of coronavirus vaccines, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.”
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services $3,150,000,000 “Provided, That in addition to amounts provided herein, for an additional amount, $150,000,000 for grants to communities and community organizations who meet criteria for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics pursuant to section 223(a) of Public Law 113–93 […] For an additional amount for carrying out titles III and V of the PHS Act, including grant programs under such title V, with respect to substance abuse treatment and prevention, $3,000,000,000”
$1,300,000,000 “Provided, That of such amount, $1,300,000,000 shall be for the State Opioid Response Grants for carrying out activities pertaining to opioids, stimulants, and alcohol undertaken by State agencies responsible for administering the substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant under subpart II of part B of title XIX of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 300x–21 et seq)”
$50,000,000 “Provided further, That of such amount, $50,000,000 shall be made available to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations”
$185,000,000 “For an additional amount for carrying out titles III, V, and XIX of the PHS Act, in coordination with the Indian Health Service, with respect to substance use disorder and behavioral health among Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, $185,000,000: Provided, That such amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(A)(i)).”
Coronavirus Local Community Stabilization Fund $160,000,000,000 “Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated for making payments to States and Tribal entities under this section, $160,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended.”
$8,000,000,000 “Of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve $8,000,000,000 of such amount for making payments to Tribal entities under subsection (c)(7), subject to subparagraph (B).”

 

 

Why is this important to UIOs?

  • UIOs need additional funding to provide adequate health care for American Indians/Alaska Natives and ensure successful COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.

NCUIH SIGNS THREE JOINT LETTERS URGING CONGRESSIONAL ACTION BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR

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The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) signed three letters urging Congress to act on priority issues in Indian Country: COVID-19 stimulus health funds for Indian Country, extension of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), and passage of several tribal Veteran bills.

COVID-19 Stimulus Health Funds for Indian Country

This letter, signed by NCUIH, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), advocates for COVID-19 pandemic relief and includes the following funding priorities:

  • Minimum $2 billion in emergency funds to Indian Health Service (IHS) for immediate distribution to Indian Health Service/Tribal Health Program/UIO (I/T/U) system
  • Minimum $1 billion to replenish lost third-party reimbursements across the I/T/U system
  • Minimum five percent I/T/U funding set-aside for vaccine distribution and administration
  • Long-term reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)

Read the letter.

FTCA Coverage for UIOs

The letter, signed by NCUIH and NCAI, advocates for parity in the Indian Health System (IHS) by urging Congress to pass H.R. 6535 / S. 3650. This legislation would extend the same insurance coverage as IHS and Tribal facilities to UIOs. This bill has passed the House Natural Resources Committee and is awaiting action to be added to the House suspension calendar.

Read the letter.

Tribal Veterans Bills

This letter, signed by NCUIH, NCAI, and NIHB, deals with several bills supporting Native Veterans including NCUIH’s H.R. 4153 which was passed in the House on Thursday, December 3 by unanimous consent. It now awaits further consideration by the Senate where NCUIH is advocating for it be hotlined before the end of the year.

Read the letter.

Why is this important to UIOs?

  • Passage of these bills would mean liability coverage for UIOs, improved health care delivery for Native Veterans, and increased funding to respond to the pandemic.

NCUIH Contact: Meredith Raimondi, Director of Congressional Relations, (mraimondi@ncuih.org)

 

LETTERS:

 

December 4, 2020

Re: COVID-19 Stimulus Health Funds for Indian Country

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, and Leader Schumer:

On behalf of the undersigned national organizations collectively serving all 574 sovereign federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal Nations and all 41 urban Indian organizations (UIOs), we write to urge you to include the following emergency funding and technical resources for Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal governments, and urban Indian organizations (collectively “I/T/U”) in any year-end COVID-19 stimulus package, omnibus appropriations package, or in a separate legislative vehicle, before the end of the 116th Congress.

  • Minimum $2 billion in emergency funds to IHS for immediate distribution to I/T/U system
  • Minimum $1 billion to replenish lost 3rd party reimbursements across the I/T/U system
  • Minimum 5 percent I/T/U funding set-aside for vaccine distribution and administration
  • Minimum $1 billion for water and sanitation systems across IHS and Tribal communities
  • Long-term reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians(SDPI)

Over the course of this pandemic, Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, and UIOs have submitted countless letters to Congress outlining the devastating toll of COVID-19 across Indian Country. Most recently, on September 8, we wrote to you about the urgent need for Congress to pass the same critical priorities outlined in this letter. Back in July of this year, the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus submitted a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Lowey and Ranking Member Granger, urging inclusion of the Tribal priorities outlined in our joint letters. But as of this writing, we still await congressional action on these priorities while COVID-19 conditions in Indian Country have only worsened.

Since mid-July,therehasbeena390% increase in COVID-19 case infections among AI/ANsreportedbyIHS1, and a 179% increase in hospitalization rates among AI/ANs.2 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 death rates among AI/ANs are 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic Whites.3As of November 30, IHS has reported a 7-day rolling average positivity rate of 14.5% nationwide, with some IHS Areas experiencing positivity rates at above 26%.4 In comparison, according to CDC data, the nationwide average 7-day positivity rate has not surpassed 15% since week 19 of the pandemic (ending May 9, 2020). These sobering data points only affirm the fact that Indian Country continues to bear the brunt of this crisis. Just this week, CDC Director Dr. Redfield warned that COVID-19 deaths could reach as high as 450,000 come February – demonstrating that the toll of the virus is far from over. Without sufficient additional congressional relief sent directly to I/T/U systems, these shocking upward trends will likely continue because I/T/U systems have limited resources to mitigate, treat, and respond to the virus.

Meanwhile, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) – a program that is instrumental for COVID-19 response efforts in Indian Country because it is focused on prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes, one of the most significant risk factors for a more serious COVID-19 illness5 – has endured five short-term extensions since last September, placing immense and undue strain on program operations. In fact, a national survey conducted by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) found that nearly 1 in 5 Tribal SDPI grantees reported employee furloughs, including for healthcare providers, with 81% of SDPI furloughs directly linked to the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Tribal communities. Roughly 1 in 4 programs have reported delaying essential purchases of medical equipment to treat and monitor diabetes due to funding uncertainty, and nearly half of all programs are experiencing or anticipating cutbacks in the availability of diabetes program services – all under the backdrop of a pandemic that continues to overwhelm the Indian health system.

To be clear, we appreciate the over $1 billion to IHS under the CARES Act and the $750 million Tribal testing set-aside under the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act; however, these investments have been necessary but insufficient to stem the tide of the pandemic in Tribal and urban AI/AN communities. While were main optimistic that Congress can pass an omnibus appropriations package for Fiscal Year (FY)2021 by December 11, the possibility of another continuing resolution (CR) remains. We remind you that IHS is the only federal healthcare delivery system that is not exempt from CRs and government shutdowns.

If Congress fails to provide sufficient emergency appropriations for the I/T/U, a stopgap measure will force a health care system serving roughly 2.6million AI/ANs to continue operating under a pandemic without an enacted budget or even adjustments for medical and non-medical inflation. In addition, IHS will be forced to coordinate distribution and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine without additional federal resources and funding. In short, that is a recipe for even more disaster, death, and despair. You can prevent that from happening, and we implore you to do so by acting swiftly on the recommendations in this letter.

We thank you for your continued commitment to Indian Country, and as always, stand ready to work with you in a bipartisan fashion to advance the health of all AI/AN people.

Sincerely,

National Indian Health Board

National Congress of American Indians National Council of Urban Indian Health

1 Number of COVID-19 cases reported by IHS increased from 27,233 positive cases on July 19, 2020 to 106,393 cases as of November 30, 2020

2 On July 19, 2020, CDC had reported an age-adjusted cumulative COVID-19 hospitalization rate of 272 per 100,000 among AI/ANs; as of November 21, rates among AI/ANs were at 487.3 per 100,000.

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death by Race/Ethnicity. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/investigations-discovery/hospitalization-death-by-race-ethnicity.html#footnote03

4 Indian Health Service. COVID-19 Cases by IHS Area. Retrieved from https://www.ihs.gov/coronavirus/

5The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention includes diabetes in a list of medical conditions that increase the chance of severe illness from COVID-19. Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, People with Certain Medical Conditions (Aug. 14, 2020), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

 

December 4, 2020

Re: FTCA Coverage for UIOs

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, and Leader Schumer:

On behalf of the undersigned national organizations collectively serving all 574 sovereign federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal Nations and all 41 urban Indian organizations (UIOs), we write to urge you to pass H.R. 6535 / S. 3650 in this Congress to provide parity in the Indian Health System. Specifically, UIOs would be extended the same insurance coverage as Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal facilities instead of being forced to divert scarce resources away from health care in order to foot exorbitant insurance costs.

In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that across 23 states, cumulative incidence rates of lab-confirmed COVID-19 among AI/ANs are 3.5 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites.1 Also, according to CDC, COVID-19 hospitalization among AI/ANs were 4.7 times higher than for non-Hispanic Whites.2 As this pandemic devastates Indian Country, UIOs have been forced to make extremely difficult choices – facing competing priorities and expenses, like increased PPE and renovation costs, in addition to very costly malpractice insurance. As of November, “the Oklahoma City IHS Area now has the highest total number of cases3” and the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is one of the UIOs that pays the highest annual rate for medical malpractice insurance. If provided insurance parity with IHS and Tribal facilities, this UIO alone could direct up to an additional $250,000 to patient care at a time when increased access to care is needed most.

As you know, the trust responsibility to provide health care extends to urban Indians, as well as those Indians residing on reservations. Enacting this law before the end of this Congress would undoubtedly save AI/AN lives and increase available health care services. This legislation has broad bipartisan support in both chambers and is endorsed by IHS. NCAI has a standing resolution supporting this legislation, Resolution #PDX-20-038, “Supporting Extension of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Coverage to Urban Indian Organizations.”

We thank you for your continued commitment to Indian Country and, as always, stand ready to work with you in a bipartisan fashion to advance the health status of all AI/AN people.

Sincerely,

National Congress of American Indians National Council of Urban Indian Health

1 Hatcher SM, Agnew-Brune C, Anderson M, et al. COVID-19 Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons — 23 States, January 31–July 3, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:1166–1169.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVIDView Weekly Summary.

3 COVID-19 Data – Situation Summary (November 25, 2020)

 

December 4, 2020

Re:  Request Passage of Tribal Veterans Bills this Congress

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader Schumer:

On behalf of the undersigned national organizations collectively serving all 574 sovereign federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal Nations and all 41 urban Indian organizations (UIOs), we write to urge you to ensure the passage of the following tribal veteran bills in any legislative vehicle before the end of the 116th congress:

  • H.R. 4908 / S. 4909 – Native American Veterans PACT Act
  • S. 524 / H.R. 2791 – Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee Act of 2019
  • S. 2365 / H.R. 4153 – Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019
  • H.R.6237 – PRC for Native Veterans Act

AI/ANs have a long history of distinguished service to this country. Per capita, AI/ANs serve at a higher rate in the Armed Forces than any other group of Americans and have served in all the nation’s wars since the Revolutionary War. In fact, AI/AN veterans served in several wars before they were even recognized as U.S. citizens. Despite this esteemed service, AI/AN veterans have lower personal incomes, higher unemployment rates, and are more likely to lack health insurance than other veterans.

The United States must honor its commitments to AI/AN veterans. The federal government’s responsibility to provide quality healthcare to AI/AN veterans comes both from their service to this country and the federal government’s treaty and trust obligations to AI/AN people. If enacted, the legislation listed above, and detailed below, moves us closer to fulfilling the federal government’s dual responsibility to AI/AN veterans, regardless of whether they are living on rural reservation lands or in major urban areas.

H.R. 4907 / S. 4909 – Native American Veterans PACT Act

Currently, AI/AN veterans are required to pay a copayment before receiving services at the VA. In the fiscal year 2017, approximately 30 percent of AI/AN veterans were charged copayments, averaging approximately $281.56 per veteran,1 representing a significant barrier to care for AI/AN veterans. The Native American Veterans PACT Act would eliminate copayments for AI/AN veterans accessing VA health care and would bring parity between those AI/AN veterans receiving services at VA and those who receive services through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Indian Health Service (IHS) and under Medicaid.

The House passed H.R. 4907 on September 22, 2020, and S. 4909 was introduced on November 18, 2020, with bipartisan support. We thank Representative Ruben Gallego for introducing H.R. 895, and Senator Jon Tester and Jerry Moran for introducing S. 4909. In 2020, NCAI passed Resolution #PDX-20-008 in support of this legislation.

S. 524 / H.R. 2791 – Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee Act of 2019

AI/AN veterans, tribal leaders, and GAO have expressed the need for VA to engage with tribal stakeholders when assessing, developing, and implementing AI/AN veterans’ policy. The Veteran Affairs Tribal Advisory Committee Act of 2019 would help fulfill this need by establishing a VA Tribal Advisory Committee (VATAC). A VATAC would advise the Secretary on improving programs and services for AI/AN veterans, identify timely issues related to VA programs, propose solutions to identified issues, provide a forum for discussion, and help facilitate getting useful feedback from Indian Country. Building a strong relationship between the VA and tribal nations will increase awareness and understanding across the VA of the unique issues affecting AI/AN veterans in tribal communities. This awareness paired with more direct interaction with tribal leaders who regularly hear from AI/AN veteran constituents will ultimately produce faster solutions and better services for AI/AN veterans.

The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs ordered S. 524 out of Committee favorably on January 29, 2020. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs ordered H.R. 2791 favorably on July 30, 2020. We thank Senator Jon Tester for introducing S. 524 and Representative Deb Haaland for introducing H.R. 2791. In 2019, NCAI passed Resolution #REN-19-033 in support of this legislation.

S. 2365 / H.R. 4153 – Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019

UIOs are an essential part of the Indian healthcare delivery system. AI/AN veterans often prefer to use Indian healthcare providers, including UIOs, for reasons such as cultural competency, community and familial relations, and shorter wait times. However, UIOs are currently ineligible to be reimbursed for the services they provide to AI/AN veterans. The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act of 2019 would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) to enable the VA to reimburse UIOs for services to VA beneficiaries at urban Indian health centers.

The Senate placed S. 2365 on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders on December 18, 2019. The House H.R. 4153 on December 3, 2020. We thank Senator Tom Udall for introducing S. 2365 and Representative Ro Khanna for introducing H.R. 4153. In 2019, NCAI passed Resolution #REN-19-034 in support of this legislation.

H.R. 6237 – PRC for Native Veterans Act

Currently, VA reimburses IHS and tribally-run health programs for costs related to direct care to AI/AN veterans within IHS and tribal facilities. Unfortunately, the VA does not reimburse either entity for the cost of services provided by the Purchased Referred Care (PRC) program, despite IHS being codified under federal law as the payer of last resort. The PRC for Native Veterans Act would amend the IHCIA to clarify that the VA and the Department of Defense are required to reimburse the IHS and tribally-run health programs for healthcare services provided to AI/AN veterans through an authorized referral.

The House passed H.R. 6237 on July 29, 2020. We thank Representative Ruben Gallego for introducing H.R. 6237. In 2020, NCAI passed Resolution #REN-19-054 in support of this legislation.

We thank you for your continued commitment to Indian Country, and as always, stand ready to work with you in a bipartisan fashion to advance the wellbeing of our AI/AN veterans.

Sincerely,

National Indian Health Board

National Congress of American Indians National Council of Urban Indian Health

1 U.S. Gov’t Accountability Office, GAO-19-291, Actions Needed to Strengthen Oversight and Coordination of Health Care for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans (2019).

Senate Releases FY21 Funding Bills with Increase for Urban Indian Health from FY20

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The Senate bill includes $9.6 million above the Administration’s request for urban Indian health.

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its FY21 funding bills, which included their proposals for the Indian Health Service and urban Indian health. The Senate Appropriations Committee will not move forward with mark ups, but instead use these bills for spending talks with the House as they work toward a full funding package before the year ends.

The Senate proposal includes $6.2 billion for the Indian Health Service, which is $49 million less than FY20. The Senate included $59.3 million for urban Indian health, which is $1.6 million above the FY20 amount and $9.6 million above the Administration’s budget request. The language in the report states: “The Committee strongly supports this program and does not concur with the proposal to reduce the program.”

“During a tough fiscal climate, NCUIH is encouraged by the Committee’s bipartisan commitment to urban Indian health and their decision to propose an increase to the President’s request. As Native families in urban areas face the COVID-19 pandemic that is impacting our populations at devastating rates, these resources offer a literal lifeline,” said Francys Crevier, CEO of National Council of Urban Indian Health.

 Line Item  FY20 Enacted  FY21 Tribal
Budget
Formulation
Request		  FY21
President’s
Budget		  FY21 House
Proposed		  FY21 Senate
Proposed
 Urban Indian
Health		  $57,684,000  $106,000,000  $49,636,000  $66,127,000  $59,314,000

Next Steps


Senate and House appropriators must negotiate funding levels and policy provisions across the dozen bills. Congressional leaders are aiming to pass a full-year spending package before the end of the year. Lawmakers have until Dec. 11 to enact more funding before the government shuts down.

Resources