PRESS RELEASE: IHS Announces Medical Malpractice Coverage for Urban Indian Health Workers Following Enactment of NCUIH Legislation

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Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2021) – On Monday, March 22, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced the successful implementation of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and their employees to the same extent and in the same manner as to Tribes and Tribal Organizations. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has advocated for over 20 years for medical malpractice coverage for urban Indian health workers. With this essential change, a single organization can redirect up to $200,000 annually to patient care.

 

Congressional champions Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), James Lankford (R-OK), and Martha McSally (R-AZ), worked tirelessly to ensure this important fix to expand resources for UIOs. NCUIH legislation to provide coverage for urban Indian health workers passed late last year as a standalone bill with broad bipartisan support.

 

“During the pandemic, every dollar makes a difference for these critical organizations providing care to urban Indians,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “We applaud our Congressional advocates in helping stretch our limited resources to serve urban Indians at such a critical time. As Natives continue to have the highest death rates in the world, the federal government must uphold its trust responsibility and continue to provide every possible opportunity to increase access to care.” 

 

“Federal tort law currently omits coverage for UIOs, and especially during the coronavirus pandemic, UIOs, like other already covered Tribal health facilities, need to have the peace of mind that they can utilize their funds for care, not court cases,” said Senator Lankford.

 

“Oklahoma City Indian Clinic has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on liability insurance for our providers,” said NCUIH Vice-President and CEO of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Robyn Sunday-Allen. “With this parity, we can now put every cent back into services. We applaud the leadership of Senator Lankford on helping redirect our limited resources back to patients and families who rely on our services now more than ever.”

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Testified Before House on COVID-19 Impacts in Indian Country

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2021) – National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin) testified before the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, led by Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM). The hearing is addressed the “Emerging Coronavirus Impacts in Indian Country.”

“Urban Indian Organizations have continuously provided services in the hardest hit urban areas during the entire pandemic,” said Crevier. “There have been vast improvements from where we were a year ago with regards to the availability of supplies, tests, and vaccines, but that will never make up for the sheer number of Native lives lost. Unfortunately, despite improvements, the situation facing Natives has not relented. The bottom line is that what little data exists for Natives shows a stark reality: COVID-19 is killing Native Americans at a faster rate than any other community.”

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), an urban Indian health champion, requested additional information about why Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) cannot make any facilities-related upgrades using federal funds. Ms. Crevier explained that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act contains unnecessary limitations on UIOs and urged for a legislative fix to allow UIOs to use federal funds for facilities. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL) discussed the long-standing inequities experienced by UIOs due to lack of full funding.

“Structural deficiencies led to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Native American communities,” Said Rep. Leger Fernandez. “We must also identify ways to address the root causes of the impacts. I heard over and over in today’s testimony about the need for full funding as is required by the trust responsibility.”

House Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) asked Francys Crevier about the importance of an urban confer process. She identified why it is critical for federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to have policies that address communicating with UIOs. Ranking Member Don Young (R-AK) discussed the re-introduction of the Rep. Betty McCollum advance appropriations bill for all of the Indian Health Service, including UIOs.

The hearing also included testimony from Chief William Smith, Chairperson and Alaska Area Representative, National Indian Health Board. In his testimony, Chief Smith highlighted the importance of extending permanent 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentages to UIOs and the need for mandatory appropriations for the Indian Health Service, Tribal organizations, and UIOs.

Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) acknowledged the disproportionality of the effect of COVID-19 on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and that the current funding provided in the American Rescue Plan Act is commendable. Still, it is not sustainable for the needs and efficacy of combatting the historical health issues that plague AI/AN people. To reiterate Rep. Westerman’s request for increased funding, Rep. Young called for the subcommittee to introduce a historical “Native people only” bill to address funding and all the needs that impact AI/AN populations and Native people.

Watch Testimony Read Full Testimony

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Applauds the Cancellation of Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

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Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2021) – On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed a series of Executive Orders including the cancellation of the Keystone XL (KXL) oil pipeline.

“It is exciting to know that the Biden Administration is sincere about its commitment to Indian Country by showing such urgency for Tribal Sovereignty and health,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “We encourage the Administration to continue their work and to halt the construction of additional dangerous pipelines on tribal lands, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).”  

The KXL pipeline was set to go through the heart of the Oceti Sakowin territory. This pipeline violated the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 and Lame Bull Treaty of 1855, both in which the United States committed to protecting against future harm to the tribes’ natural resources. The U.S. did not consult with Tribal leaders before proposing the pipeline. The pipeline posed significant adverse health risks as well as damage to traditional and sacred lands.

The revocation of this permit is a good sign that this administration is eager to work with AI/AN populations to build a healthy and more prosperous future.

PRESS RELEASE: Congressional Leaders Request Resources for Urban Indians in Budget Reconciliation

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2021) Today, 26 House Representatives called on Congressional leaders to prioritize expanding resources for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the COVID-19 budget reconciliation. At a critical time when AI/ANs are dying at alarming rates from COVID-19, the federal government must do more to fulfill its trust and treaty obligations to serve this population. The letter specifically asks for Congress to include a fix that will provide parity for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and provide significant cost savings to cash-strapped states.

“Urban Indian Organizations are serving an at-risk population in some of the hardest-hit urban centers in 117 counties across 24 states and are doing so with limited supplies and resources. Now is the time to ensure these organizations have equal access to federal resources so they can continue to fulfill the federal government’s trust responsibility to Indian country. At a time when states are most strapped for resources, this fix would allow more resources to flow back into our states and provide parity to UIOs,” said Rep. Ruiz and the 26 Members of Congress in their letter.

According to a February 4, 2021, article by The Guardian, “Covid is killing Native Americans at a faster rate than any other community in the United States, shocking new figures reveal. American Indians and Alaskan (sic) Natives are dying at almost twice the rate of white Americans, according to an analysis by APM Research Lab shared exclusively with the Guardian.”

“One in 475 Native Americans has died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. As Congress works with the new Administration to ensure equity in the pandemic response, a good first step would be fixing this long-standing problem that is impeding critical access to health care for our relatives in urban areas. Additional resources for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), who have been on the frontlines since day one of this pandemic, also translates to major cost savings for state Medicaid funds that can be immediately redirected to patient care,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin).

There is a trust responsibility to provide healthcare to all AI/ANs that is a duty of the United States government. Section 3 of P.L. 94-437, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, declares that “it is the policy of the Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligations to the American Indian people, to ensure the highest possible health status for Indians and urban Indians.”

Next Steps

NCUIH will continue to work with Congressional leaders and the Biden Administration to build a better COVID-19 response for AI/ANs.

PRESS RELEASE: American Rescue Plan Act Passes with Historic Investment in Urban Indian Health

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2021) – Today, the House passed H.R.1319 American Rescue Plan Act, the COVID-19 relief package. On March 6, the Senate passed the plan with a 50-49 vote. The bill includes $6.1 billion for Indian health programs with $84 million for urban Indian health and two years of 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage coverage (FMAP) to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) for Medicaid services for IHS-beneficiaries. The bill is set to be signed into law by President Biden no later than March 14.

“We are encouraged by the work of Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan Act with robust funding towards urban Indian health and expanded opportunities for Medicaid-IHS beneficiaries. As our frontline health heroes at urban Indian organizations are leading the way, along with the rest of the Indian health system, in vaccinating our populations, we hope to see better outcomes for our relatives,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “This pandemic is far from over as Native lives are still being lost at twice the rate of non-Hispanic whites, so these critical resources will help honor trust and treaty obligations while improving outcomes for all Native communities.”

The Indian health provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act 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.” “Native communities need relief. We listened, and we took action. With more than $31 billion for Tribal governments and Native programs, the American Rescue Plan delivers the largest one-time investment to Native communities in history,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This historic funding is a down payment on the federal government’s trust responsibility to Native communities and will empower American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to tackle COVID-19’s impacts on their communities.”

NCUIH has worked closely with Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and key Congressional leaders to push for 100% FMAP for UIOs. Last week, Representative Ruiz introduced H.R. 1373, the Urban Indian Health Parity Act, bipartisan legislation, with 12 original cosponsors to extend the 100% FMAP provision permanently to expand resources for  American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Native communities.

NEXT STEPS

NCUIH is grateful for the inclusion of urban Indians into H.R.1319 and commends those Congressional leaders for their continuous support. NCUIH will continue to push for long-term 100% FMAP for UIOs with H.R. 1373.

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

All funds appropriated in this section will be made available to Tribes through IHS to avoid any further disbursement delays similar to those experienced in previous COVID-19 relief efforts.

Read the Final Bill Text Here

American Rescue Plan Act Passes with Historic Investment in Urban Indian Health

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The plan includes $84 million for urban Indian health and two years of 100% Federal Medical Assistance Coverage for Urban Indian Organizations.

Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2021) – Today, the House passed H.R.1319 American Rescue Plan Act, the COVID-19 relief package. On March 6, the Senate passed the plan with a 50-49 vote. The bill includes $6.1 billion for Indian health programs with $84 million for urban Indian health and two years of 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage coverage (FMAP) to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) for Medicaid services for IHS-beneficiaries. The bill is set to be signed into law by President Biden no later than March 14.

“We are encouraged by the work of Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan Act with robust funding towards urban Indian health and expanded opportunities for Medicaid-IHS beneficiaries. As our frontline health heroes at urban Indian organizations are leading the way, along with the rest of the Indian health system, in vaccinating our populations, we hope to see better outcomes for our relatives,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “This pandemic is far from over as Native lives are still being lost at twice the rate of non-Hispanic whites, so these critical resources will help honor trust and treaty obligations while improving outcomes for all Native communities.”

The Indian health provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act 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.”

“Native communities need relief. We listened, and we took action. With more than $31 billion for Tribal governments and Native programs, the American Rescue Plan delivers the largest one-time investment to Native communities in history,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This historic funding is a down payment on the federal government’s trust responsibility to Native communities and will empower American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to tackle COVID-19’s impacts on their communities.”

NCUIH has worked closely with Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and key Congressional leaders to push for 100% FMAP for UIOs. Last week, Representative Ruiz introduced H.R. 1373, the Urban Indian Health Parity Act, bipartisan legislation, with 12 original cosponsors to extend the 100% FMAP provision permanently to expand resources for  American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Native communities.

Final Bill Text

Next Steps

NCUIH is grateful for the inclusion of urban Indians into H.R.1319 and commends those Congressional leaders for their continuous support. NCUIH will continue to push for long-term 100% FMAP for UIOs with H.R. 1373.

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

All funds appropriated in this section will be made available to Tribes through IHS to avoid any further disbursement delays similar to those experienced in previous COVID-19 relief efforts.

STATEMENT: Capitol Hill Attack

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Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

“We will continue to demand justice…”

 

Washington, D.C. (January 13, 2021) –  Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health Chief Executive Officer Francys Crevier (Algonquin) released the following statement:

“Last week, we bore witness to a terror at the United States Capitol, an institution which has long carried the original transgressions of this country dating back to 1492. The Capitol is located on the stolen land of the Nacotchtank, Piscataway, and Pamunkey peoples and was built through the stolen labor of our Black brothers and sisters.

Despite the dark history of its creation, this preventable attack was a disgrace to the democratic institution and to the people of color who made its existence possible.

In a nation where the legacy of systemic racism lives on through statues and artwork within these buildings, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) have shown resiliency and stood up against injustice.

For this, our communities have too often been harshly punished and senselessly murdered. The legacy of systemic racism has directly affected the health and well-being of BIPOC communities as recently evidenced by the two very different responses from law enforcement towards BIPOC individuals peacefully demanding justice and equality, versus the white domestic terrorists who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021. To heal this country, the U.S. must invest in true equality, justice, health, and education reform.

We condemn discrimination in all forms and we ask the U.S. government to commit to eliminating the structures of racism that embolden these terrorists: Take down the artwork celebrating the genocide of our people in the Capitol Rotunda and remove the statues of slave-owning confederates. We can only begin to heal as a nation once we take down the monuments that pay tribute to the greatest sins of this country within the home for our democracy.

Thank you to those who put their lives on the line to protect us. You are true warriors. We will continue to demand justice from a system designed to oppress our people.

“We are still here, and we are resilient.”

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

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Indian Health Service Allocates Vaccines for Urban Indian Organizations

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

After being excluded in previous pandemics, this is a step in the right direction for urban Indians.

Washington, D.C. (December 16, 2020) – The Indian Health Service (IHS) began the allocation process for the COVID-19 vaccine to IHS facilities, Tribal-facilities and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). As part of the 1A distribution process, initial doses from IHS are for Indian Health Care Providers and residents of long-term health centers. Since the start of the pandemic, the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has advocated for the vaccine distribution to include all of Indian Country, including urban Indian populations.

“As the data continues to show, this pandemic is killing our people at devastating rates as Indian Country bears the brunt of this crisis,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), NCUIH CEO. “With the approval of the vaccine, there is a glimmer of hope. As urban Indians were left out of the H1N1 vaccine discussions, we are encouraged to see that Urban Indian Organizations and their staff who are providing life-saving care to our communities were among the first wave to receive vaccines.”

The Gerald Ignace Center in Wisconsin was one of the first UIOs to receive the vaccine for their health care workers. (See the video here.)

Next Steps

  • A full schedule of the organizations receiving the vaccine is not publicly available from the Administration.
  • NCUIH will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Background

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

PRESS RELEASE: NCAI Supports HHS Urban Confer Policy and Extending Medical Care Protections for UIOs

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Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

NCAI passed several resolutions in support of expanding access to health care for urban Indians.

Washington, D.C. (November 16, 2020) – On Friday, November 13, 2020, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed several resolutions aimed at improving the health and welfare of American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas.  Two resolutions support the extension of coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to urban Indian organizations (UIOs) and the development of an urban confer policy with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). NCAI also reiterated their support for IHS-VA parity for UIOs in a resolution through the Veterans Committee (a resolution on IHS-VA parity for UIOs was passed in 2019). The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has long-advocated for parity for health services for urban Indians including FTCA for UIOs, IHS-VA parity for UIOs, and an urban confer policy. The support from NCAI is critical to continuing to advance these priorities that will improve health outcomes for all of Indian Country as we face COVID-19.

“We appreciate our partnership with NCAI and their commitment to bolstering urban Indian health to ensure that urban Natives have access to health care amid a pandemic that knows no borders,” said Francys Crevier (Algonquin), NCUIH CEO. “Families in our urban areas depend on the life-saving resources offered by our programs more than ever and this will allow their dollars to go further at a critical time. Congress and the Administration must take immediate steps to uphold the trust and treaty obligations to urban Indians by acting swiftly on these policies.”

Currently, UIOs must divert scarce dollars that could go towards health care delivery to pay for expensive malpractice insurance; this insurance can cost up to $250,000 per year for a UIO. The other components of the IHS system and even Community Health Centers receive medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA and thus do not have to divert these resources. Legislation providing FTCA coverage for UIOs enjoyed widespread and bipartisan support in the last Congressional session, including within the President’s FY 2021 proposed budget and with the endorsement of Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee.

In addition, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently the only federal agency that has an urban confer policy and thus must engage with UIOs regarding policy actions likely to significantly impact them. As urban Indians often have no representation outside of the Indian Health Service, they are excluded such as inclusion in the H1N1 vaccine distribution process. That means that the over 70% American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas are left out of decision-making conversations that affect health outcomes.

In the most recent instance of exclusion, HHS gave IHS a deadline to choose a distribution plan for an eventual COVID-19 vaccine, either through their state or from IHS directly. This correspondence was only addressed to tribal leaders, leaving UIO leaders out of the discussion. Urban Indian organization leaders did not receive notice of the deadline, sufficient information to make a decision or a platform to ask questions and discuss concerns. The overall confusion and delay further demonstrates the real need for HHS to develop an urban confer policy. The Resolution PDX-20-021 calls for the Secretary of HHS to implement its urban confer policy across the Department and its divisions.

The IHS-VA parity for UIOs is a priority that has received broad support across Indian Country including from last year’s resolution at NCAI. Allowing urban Native veterans to have improved access to critical health services upholds the US government’s obligations to these heroes as Natives and as veterans.

Next Steps

NCUIH will continue to advocate to Congress to enact legislation to provide FTCA for UIOs (H.R. 6535 / S. 3650). Earlier this year, H.R. 6535 passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources and S. 3650 passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Parity for urban Native veterans through the Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act (H.R. 4153/ S. 2365) has also passed the House Natural Resources Committee. NCUIH is working with Congress to see if these provisions can be passed before the start of 2021 so that UIOs can start the new year with expanded resources. NCUIH will also work with Congress to develop legislation on an urban confer policy and coordinate with the Administration.

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The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national non-profit organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health and public health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban areas. NCUIH is the only national representative of the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) under the Indian Health Service (IHS) in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). NCUIH strives to improve the health of the over 70% of the AI/AN population that lives in urban areas, supported by quality, accessible health care centers.