PRESS RELEASE: House Passes Latest COVID-19 Bill with $64 Million for UIOs, 100% FMAP for UIOs for 1 Year, VA-IHS Fix for UIOs, and Third Party Relief Fund

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-932-6615, mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH also testified before the House Natural Resources Committee today on the HEROES Act.

Washington, DC (May 15, 2020) – Today, the House of Representatives passed the latest iteration of COVID-19 legislation, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. This new stimulus bill totals over $3 trillion and includes additional state and local government funding, additional health care funding including $2.1 billion for IHS with $1 billion for reduced third party billing collections and $64 million for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), 100% FMAP for UIOs for 1 year, and VA reimbursement parity for UIOs. NCUIH’s President and CEO of NATIVE HEALTH Walter Murillo also testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples on the HEROES Act today.

walter “The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affects densely populated areas and UIOs are seeing high positive-testing rates. As our health workers are risking their lives every day, we need the federal government to ensure our frontline heroes receive the same protections as all other public health employees. There is more work to be done and we look forward to working with our elected federal representatives in Congress on ensuring the HEROES Act and future legislation provides urban Indian organizations the resources to address this crisis,” said Walter Murillo in his testimony before the House Committee on Natural Resources.

“NCUIH applauds the work of the House of Representatives to introduce this bill with a focus on helping Indian Country address this pandemic which is causing devastation in our communities every day. As NCUIH has been tirelessly advocating for Urban Indian Health in each package, we are appreciative of the inclusion of $64 million for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), at least $1 billion in funds to recoup the third-party dollars lost by UIOs and Indian Health Care Providers, 100% FMAP for UIOs through June 30, 2021, and a permanent fix for UIO services provided to Native Veterans. We look forward to working with our Senate champions to ensure these provisions are included in the final package and are hopeful for the addition of the essential parity fix of FTCA for UIOs,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director.

In his opening remarks for today’s roundtable, Chair of the Subcommittee of Indigenous Peoples, Rep. Ruben Gallego stated, “Inequities are felt beyond the borders of our reservation. For example, urban Indians in places like Phoenix face their own unique challenges in getting access to care. Indian Country has suffered more than any other Americans during the H1N1 pandemic and Spanish flu pandemic a century ago – also because of federal government failures.”

“Unmet needs have been estimated to be close to 32 billion dollars. Accordingly we strongly support increased funding for the system that includes emergency third party reimbursement relief fund and technical Medicaid and Medicare fixes such as the authorization of Medicaid reimbursements for Qualified Indian Provider Services,” said Kevin Allis, CEO of NCAI in his testimony today.

Bill Highlights

  • $2.1 billion for IHS “to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and provide health services related to coronavirus”
    • $1 billion to supplement reduced third party billing collections
    • Not less than $64 million for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs)
  • $2.1 billion for CDC “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally”
    • $1 billion for “necessary expenses for grants for core public health infrastructure for State, local, Territorial, or Tribal health departments”
    • Not less than $100 million to “be allocated to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes”
  • $3 billion for SAMHSA “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus”
    • Not less than $150 million to “be allocated to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health or behavioral health service providers to tribes”
  • 100% FMAP for services provided through urban Indian organizations “from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021”
    • Note: this is only a temporary authorization of 100% FMAP for UIOs
  • Health inequities research: IHS “in coordination with Tribal Epidemiology Centers and other Federal agencies, shall conduct or support research and field studies for the purposes of improved understanding of Tribal health inequities among AI/ANs”
  • VA reimbursement parity for UIOs serving dually eligible AI/AN Veterans

Next Steps

The Senate is still working to develop its own iteration of the next coronavirus package, but Senate Republicans have yet to reach an agreement with Senate Democrats on its timing or content. NCUIH will continue to advocate for the inclusion of UIOs in the final package including the addition of the FTCA parity bill that was introduced in the Senate and House, permanent 100% FMAP for UIOs, VA-IHS parity for UIOs, and the $1.7 billion relief fund advocated for by NCAI, NIHB, and NCUIH.

Background

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Senators Smith, Lankford, McSally and Udall Introduce Bill to Expand Resources for Urban Indian Organizations amid Pandemic

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-932-6615, mraimondi@ncuih.org

The long-needed fix would allow urban Indian organizations to direct funds back to the patients who need it most.

Washington, DC (May 8, 2020) – Yesterday, Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Martha McSally (R-AZ) to expand Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian organizations, giving them a desperately needed boost in resources as many suffer critical supply shortages, closures, and financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coverage for Urban Indian Health Providers Act (S.3650), would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to create parity within the Indian Health System. This is a companion bill to H.R. 6535, introduced on April 17, 2020 by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

Urban Indian organizations (UIOs) are doing everything they can to keep their doors open during this pandemic while still dealing with paying for costly medical malpractice insurance. Unfortunately, urban Indian organizations may be forced to make extremely difficult choices – facing competing priorities and expenses like increased PPE prices, trying to pay for testing and supplies, in addition to very costly malpractice insurance. S. 3650 would create parity within the Indian Health Service health system by extending FTCA coverage to urban Indian organizations, who currently are forced to divert resources away from health care in order to foot exorbitant liability costs themselves.

“We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Senator Smith, Lankford, McSally and Udall in introducing this bipartisan legislation for a long-needed fix to the medical malpractice liability protection, which ensures parity for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). A single UIO can pay as much as $250,000 annually, funds that could be spent on PPE and testing kits for the American Indians and Alaska Natives they serve – made even more essential as our communities are hit by this pandemic. As all other Indian Health Care Providers are covered by FTCA and Community Health Centers employees as well as volunteers are also covered, this legislative fix is critical to ensure continuity of health care in a time when it’s needed most,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH).

“Minnesota’s urban Indigenous community has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, yet many urban Indian health organizations are often forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on costly liability protection instead of being able to use those resources to provide health care to Native community members,” said Sen. Smith. “This is unacceptable. We need to make sure that urban Indian organizations can use every dollar they have to give urban Indigenous individuals the care they need. I’m glad to work in a bipartisan way to bring financial relief to these vital organizations.”

“There are two prominent UIOs in Oklahoma that faithfully serve our Tribal communities’ healthcare needs in addition to the other important Tribal health facilities around the state. I am glad our bill addresses this disparity in the law to help ensure equal access to medical malpractice liability coverage for the services they offer,” said Sen. Lankford. “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.”

“Urban Indian health programs funded by the IHS are facing revenue shortfalls while ramping up services to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as a result, many of these critical health care programs are struggling to keep the lights on and their doors open. They shouldn’t be the only branch of the IHS that has to divert resources away from health care services to cover exorbitant liability costs,” said Sen. Udall. “The federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Native Americans do not stop at reservation boundaries. Nearly 70 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives live in urban areas and Congress must ensure they have access to quality health care — especially during this public health crisis. This legislation is a common-sense measure to provide Urban Indian Health Programs with the same federal protections given to all other Indian Health Care Providers.”

“Arizona is home to four Urban Indian Organizations, all of which are forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on liability insurance that could otherwise be spent on patients,” said Sen. McSally. “Our legislation will fix this inequity by extending federal liability coverage to our urban Indian health groups, dramatically decreasing the cost of malpractice insurance while freeing up more money for patient care. Bringing parity to Urban Indian Health is an important step to improving Native American health care across the board.”

“On behalf of the NCUIH and NATIVE Health in Phoenix, we appreciate the strong commitment from Arizona Senator McSally in ensuring parity for urban Indian health care providers. In addition to stretching already limited resources more thin, especially during this time of crisis, we are unable to share providers across our clinics. We are hopeful that Congress will act quickly to enact this bipartisan fix to allow our programs to have more resources to put directly back into patient care during this this pandemic,” said Walter Murillo, President of NCUIH, CEO of NATIVE Health.

“Oklahoma City Indian Clinic has been operating on the front lines of this crisis with limited resources. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on liability insurance for our providers. With parity in FTCA, we would put every cent back into services which will allow us to fulfill our mission of providing excellent health care to American Indians.  Increasing access to quality health care and preventive wellness services and producing positive health outcomes for urban American Indians living in central Oklahoma is the business we are in.  We applaud the leadership of Senator Smith and Senator Lankford on helping redirect resources back to patients and families who rely on our services,” said Robyn Sunday Allen, NCUIH Vice-President and CEO of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic.

“We are grateful to our Senator Tina Smith as well as Senators Udall, McSally and Lankford for introducing this important legislation to help Urban Indian Organizations like Indian Health Board of Minneapolis. Despite the coronavirus pandemic and its implication and impact that is has on our clinic as well as our community, IHB continues to provide health care services that are vital to the ongoing needs of the community we serve. We are hopeful for FTCA coverage to allow us to redirect those resources back to our patients during this pandemic,” said Dr. Patrick Rock, CEO of the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis.

Background

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Senate Clears COVID-19 Testing Package, President Expected to Sign

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

The bill includes $750 million to Indian Country for COVID-19 testing and response.

Washington, DC (April 23, 2020) – On April 21, 2020, H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, passed the Senate by voice vote.  The bill is now in the House of Representatives and is on track to pass today. The President has indicated he will sign the bill.

“As our urban Indian organizations (UIOs) have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis from day 1, we are grateful for the inclusion of Tribes and urban Indians in the most recent legislation. We appreciate a continued commitment to Indian Country by Leader Chuck Schumer. We hope that the government acts swiftly to provide these life-saving tests and resources to our programs on the ground. We will continue to work with our national partner organizations NIHB and NCAI to push for more assistance in the next package, “said Francys Crevier.

The bill includes $25 billion for COVID-19 testing with not less than $11 billion to states, local territories, tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, or health service providers to tribes. Out of the $11 billion, not less than $750 million will be allocated in coordination with the Director of the Indian Health Service to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, or health service providers to tribes. These funds are to be used for: “necessary expenses to develop, purchase, administer, process, and analyze COVID–19 tests, including support for workforce, epidemiology, use by employers or in other settings, scale up of testing by public health, academic, commercial, and hospital laboratories, and community-based testing sites, health care facilities, and other entities engaged in COVID-19 testing, conduct surveillance, trace contacts, and other related activities related to COVID–19 testing.”

The deal will total $484 billion, including $310 billion to replenish the funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. This bill also expands the scope of the Paycheck Protection Act allowing for small banks, credit unions, and non-profits to be eligible for the funds. Of this $310 billion, $75 billion is intended for eligible health care providers. Eligible health care providers include “public entities, Medicaid or Medicare enrolled suppliers and providers, and for-profit and not-for-profit entities” that “provide diagnoses, testing, or care for individuals with possible cases of COVID-19.”

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Gallego, Mullin Introduce FTCA Bill to Reduce Burdens for Urban Indian Organizations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

The long-needed fix would allow urban Indian organizations to direct funds back to the patients who need it most.

Washington, DC (April 21, 2020) – Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced H.R. 6535 last week to expand Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage to urban Indian organizations, giving them a desperately needed boost in resources as many suffer critical supply shortages, closures, and financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Urban Indian organizations (UIOs) are doing everything they can to keep their doors open during this pandemic while still dealing with paying for costly medical malpractice insurance. Unfortunately, urban Indian organizations may be forced to make extremely difficult choices – facing competing priorities and expenses like increased PPE prices, testing supplies, in addition to very costly malpractice insurance. H.R. 6535 would create parity within the Indian Health Service health system by extending FTCA coverage to urban Indian organizations, who currently are forced to divert resources away from health care in order to foot exorbitant liability costs themselves.

“We are extremely grateful for Congressman Gallego and Congressman Mullin’s leadership in introducing this legislation for a long-needed fix to the medical malpractice liability protection, which ensures parity for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). A single UIO can pay as much as $250,000 annually, funds that could be spent providing health care for the American Indians and Alaska Natives they serve. As all other Indian Health Care Providers are covered by FTCA and Community Health Centers employees as well as volunteers are also covered, this legislative fix is critical to ensure continuity of health care in a time when it’s needed most,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of NCUIH.

“Urban Indian organizations, including Native Heath in my District, are on the front lines of this pandemic. Individual facilities are reporting skyrocketing costs in the hundreds of thousands and dangerous supply shortages. Three UIOs have already closed their doors as a result of the strain,” said Rep. Gallego, Chair of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. “We cannot afford to leave urban Indians without access to care during this public health crisis. My bill will both bring long overdue parity to urban Indian health providers and provide an infusion of desperately resources to an urban Indian health system on the brink.”

“Urban Indian Health Centers play a critical role in providing health care to Native Americans. Our bill ensures they are covered by the FTCA so that they won’t have to use their limited resources to cover costly liability bills. I want to thank Congressman Gallego for working with me on this legislation that will improve health care for Native Americans,” said Rep. Mullin.

Next Steps

NCUIH has long-advocated for the introduction of this legislation and will be requesting that lawmakers include it in the next COVID-19 package.

Background

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: National Council of Urban Indian Health Announces New Board of Directors

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

Washington, DC (March 25, 2020) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) announces the election of the new members to its Board of Directors. The election took place during the 2020 Annual Virtual Meeting on March 25, 2020.

“I am pleased to welcome our newest members to our Board of Directors. All individuals are poised to support the development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in urban areas,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of NCUIH.

Officers

President Walter Murillo*
Vice-President Robyn Sunday-Allen
President-Elect Sonya Tetnowski
Secretary Linda Son-Stone
Treasurer Scott Black

Note: Walter Murillo was confirmed in a previous election.

Board Members

Region Board Members
1 Kerry Lessard
2 RoxAnne Lavallie-Unabia
3 Reid Wendel
4 Todd Wilson
5 Maureen Rosette
6 Sonya Tetnowski, Scott Black
7 Walter Murillo, Linda Son-Stone, Robyn Sunday-Allen
8 Adrianne Maddux

NCUIH 2020 – 2021 Board of Directors

Region 1
Kerry Lessard, Board Member
Descendant of Absentee Shawnee
Executive Director
Native American Lifelines of Baltimore
106 West Clay St. Baltimore, MD 21201
Region 3
Reid Wendel, Board Member
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Executive Director
South Dakota Urban Indian Health, Inc.
1200 N West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Region 4
Todd Wilson, Board Member
Crow
Executive Director
Helena Indian Alliance-Leo Pocha Clinic
501 Euclid Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Region 6 (b)
Scott Black, Board Treasurer
Descendant of Miami of Ohio and Mohican of Ohio 
Executive Director
American Indian Health Services
4141 State Street #B-11, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Region 7 (a)
Linda Son-Stone, Board Secretary
Executive Director
First Nations Community HealthSource
5608 Zuni NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Region 7 (c)
Robyn Sunday-Allen, Board Vice-President
Cherokee
Chief Executive Officer
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
4913 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Region 2
RoxAnne M Lavallie-Unabia, Board Member
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
Interim Executive Director
American Indian Health Service of Chicago
4326 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Region 5
Maureen Rosette, Board Member
Chippewa Cree
Chief Operations Officer
N.A.T.I.V.E. Project
1803 Maxwell Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
Region 6 (a)
Sonya Tetnowski,Board President-Elect
Makah Tribe
Executive Director
Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley
1211 Meridian Avenue. San Jose, CA 95125
Region 7 (b)
Walter Murillo, Board President
Choctaw
Chief Executive Officer
Native Health Center
4041 North Central Avenue, Building C. Phoenix, AZ 85012
Region 8
Adrianne Maddux, Board Member
Hopi
Executive Director
Denver Indian Health and Family Services
2880 W. Holden Place. Denver, CO 80204

 

 

 

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: HHS Announces Action by CDC to disburse $80 Million for Indian Country including Urban Indian Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

14 days after the supplemental bill was enacted, HHS announced action to disburse funds.

Washington, DC (March 20, 2020) – On March 20, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide $80 million in funding to tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations for resources in support of our nation’s response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“While the cities across the country are shutting down, our Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are doing all they can to stay open for the patients and communities. As UIOs have risen to the challenge without any additional federal funding to date, helping not only their patients but their counties, the timing of this is critical and will be essential to protecting the personnel who are risking their lives without proper protective equipment. This is an important step in the right direction to helping Indian Country mitigate this deadly virus. We must thank our leaders in Congress – Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Tom Cole, Rep. Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Paul Cook, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Ruben Gallego, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Tom Udall – who have been instrumental in ensuring this funding reaches the most vulnerable populations impacted by this pandemic,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of NCUIH.

Current Status

The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, the UIO in San Jose, California, is at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 13 and cases have increased more than threefold in that area over the past few days. In Utah, the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake has several patients who were exposed to COVID-19 through a March 9 event where a number of girls interacted directly with Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert (the namesake of Rudy’s Kids Foundation) – who tested positive for COVID-19 two days later.  The UIO located in Seattle, WA, an area currently experiencing a significant level of outbreak, is projecting a monthly loss of $734,922 during this pandemic.  Another UIO has had to reduce operations to two days a week. A UIO is also considering layoffs due to lack of PPE. And, one UIO has determined it must close for 30 days – with a handful of rotating staff (to minimize the potential for spread) providing telemedicine services only.

On March 6, 2020, H.R. 6074, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (Act) became law (P.L. 116-123). The Act provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, including $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of which not less than $950,000,000 will be distributed via grants or cooperative agreements to states, localities, territories, tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes, and a proviso that “not less than $40,000,000 of such funds shall be allocated to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes.” Grants or cooperative agreements with urban Indian health organizations will provide these funds to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, as well as to reimburse costs expended for these purposes incurred between January 20 and March 6, 2020.

Background

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Congressional Native American Caucus Supports Policy Priorities Identified by NCUIH and Other National Native Organizations for Third Funding Bill

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-544-0344, mraimondi@ncuih.org

As Indian Country awaits funding, Congress continues to prioritize Native Americans and UIOs are keeping their doors open.

Washington, DC (March 18, 2020) – On March 17, 2020, the Congressional Native American Caucus sent a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations Chair Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Kay Granger urging the inclusion of tribal priorities in the third supplemental coronavirus package.

The request from the Native American Caucus incorporates a joint letter submitted by the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), National Indian Health Board (NIHB), and National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) (collectively, Native Organizations).  The Native Organizations outlined the need to address critical funding and policy priorities to protect and prepare the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities for COVID-19.

“We are encouraged by the attention of Congress to Indian Country as it continues to advance legislation to address this global pandemic. From Santa Clara Valley to Baltimore, our communities are ground zero for this health crisis, providing life-saving critical care without any additional federal resources to date. Despite a complete lack of additional federal resources, Urban Indian Organizations are doing everything they can to keep their doors open and ensure their patients and staff are safe. As this crisis continues to unfold, however, some programs are being forced to reduce hours due to funding shortages and potentially lay off staff to cope due to a lack of personal protective equipment. All Indian Health Care Providers are experiencing devastating impacts from this pandemic yet they continue to step up every day as operators on the front lines. The trust responsibility to Indian Country must not end in this time of crisis when it is needed most of all,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of NCUIH.

The Congressional Native American Caucus letter provides that “[i]t is imperative that the requests of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are thoroughly considered in the preparation of this package to reflect the needs of all 574 federally-recognized Native Nations and 41 urban Indian organizations (UIOs) in furtherance of the federal trust responsibility.”

The Caucus further notes that “[t]he inclusion of these urgent recommendations is imperative for the health of tribal communities and their citizens as this unforeseen pandemic continues to escalate in the United States.”

The priorities include requesting that Congress provide $1.1 billion in funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Services Account – funding that is essential to meet the increased demand for health services and education, recruit providers, increase testing capacity, and address other needs of Indian Health Care Providers including UIOs, as well as enable them to secure medical supplies. In addition, Native Organizations requested Congress to ensure parity across the IHS system by extending the full Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage to services provided at UIOs.

NCUIH Letter to Native American Caucus

Additionally, NCUIH sent a letter to the House Native American Caucus, advocating for the inclusion of Indian Health Care Providers, including UIOs, in emergency coronavirus legislation.

To date, UIOs have received zero federal dollars to combat COVID-19; yet, currently, at least 10% of UIOs have patients that have tested positive or are under investigation/quarantine for COVID-19 and the remainder have expended resources to prepare for the likely spread of the novel coronavirus to patients in their cities. NCUIH therefore requested a minimum of $58-$94 million in funding to be provided for emergency supplies and services for urban Indian organizations and parity among the IHS/Tribal/UIO system through Medicaid reimbursement and medical malpractice coverage.

Letters

Press Releases

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Federal Government Has Yet to Disburse Funds to UIOs

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

UIOs have received no funding from COVID-19 emergency bill.

Washington, DC (March 17, 2020) – To date, urban Indian organizations (UIOs) across the country have yet to receive any federal funding from the $8.3 billion emergency supplemental appropriations to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, despite having been specifically listed in the legislation. UIOs already have an immediate funding need for services and supplies to combat the pandemic, and as the urgency, infection rate, and death toll intensifies, UIOs will need more funding resources to protect and preserve human life.

“As Congress and the Administration is working hard to address COVID-19, we are gravely concerned about the timeline for funds and resources to Indian Country. We have seen urban areas be adversely impacted by this virus and our Urban Indian Organizations have yet to receive any funding from the Administration despite Congress including UIOs in the bill. Lives are at stake and time is of the essence for action as our programs are already tackling this crisis without the resources they need,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director of NCUIH.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) partnered with the National Indian Health Board, National Congress of American Indians, Native American Finance Officers Association, and the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund in a letter to Congressional appropriators detailing the need for UIO COVID-19 emergency supplies and services funding to be set at a minimum of $58-$94 million. UIOs receive primary IHS funding from only one line item in the IHS budget, which provides a mere $57,684,000 for urban Indian health. 41 UIOs that operate 74 health facilities in 22 states are thus faced with significantly constrained budgets.

With over two-thirds of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population living in urban areas, UIOs fill a crucial gap in the health care system for AI/ANs that do not have access to more remote facilities run by the Indian Health Service (IHS). UIOs must receive this critical funding without delay so that they may continue to provide high quality care to their patients while also managing local outbreaks and minimizing risks to their communities.

UIOs already have an immediate need for access to the emergency funding appropriated by Congress, as many are located in some of the hardest-hit areas of the United States.

  • The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, the UIO in San Jose, California, is at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it confirmed its first COVID-19 case on March 13 and cases have increased more than threefold in that area over the past few days. In Utah, the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake has several patients who were exposed to COVID-19 through a March 9 event where a number of girls interacted directly with Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert (the namesake of Rudy’s Kids Foundation) – who tested positive for COVID-19 two days later.
  • The UIO located in Seattle, WA, an area currently experiencing a significant level of outbreak, is projecting a monthly loss of $734,922 during this pandemic.
  • These are only a few examples of the impacts UIOs are already experiencing – yet they have not received any COVID-19 funding to date.

On March 6, H.R.6074, the “Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020” (Act) became law. The Act provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, and includes at least $950,000,000 for states, localities, tribes, tribal organizations, and UIOs. A further proviso provides that “not less than $40,000,000 of such funds shall be allocated to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes” through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Grants or cooperative agreements with urban Indian health organizations will be to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, as well as to reimburse costs for these purposes incurred between January 20 and March 6, 2020.

NCUIH will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation, the ongoing health risks to AI/AN patients, and the urban Indian communities where they reside.

Letters and Press Releases

Related Bills

News

Background

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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.

PRESS RELEASE: Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act Passes out of the House Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

Washington, DC (March 11, 2020) – Today, H.R. 4153 – Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act was considered and ordered to be reported by the House Natural Resources Committee during a legislative markup. H.R. 4153, introduced by Representative Ro Khanna, has bipartisan support with 27 cosponsors including 16 Democrats and 11 Republicans.

“Right now, urban Indian Veterans are being left behind by the United States.  This bill will allow Urban Indian Organizations to continue to provide life-saving health care to American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans, no matter where they live. We are grateful for the House Natural Resources Committee, including Chairman Grijalva and Representative Khanna for their continued efforts to push this legislation across the finish line,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director.

“Native Americans serve in the military at a higher rate than any other population, and over 70 percent of Native Americans live in urban areas. Urban Indian organizations, like the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, fill a crucial gap in the health care system for Native Americans that do not have access to more remote facilities run by the Indian Health Service. To honor their service to the United States, we must ensure that Native Veterans have access to the care that best fits their cultural and health needs,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

In July of 2019, the National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution calling on Congress to “enact legislation ensuring the provision of health care to American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans living in urban centers.” The NCAI resolution states: “The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) urges Congress to pass legislation that amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. §1645(c) to insert UIOs after IHS and Tribal Organizations and require VA to reimburse for services provided to AI/AN Veterans at all of the IHS, Tribal, and urban (I/T/U) system, in order to protect the health and welfare of AI/AN Veterans living in urban centers, thereby honoring their sacrifices.”

This important urban Indian health bill has widespread endorsements by NCUIH’s valued partners across Indian Country along with valuable Veteran organizations, such as NCAI, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, and VoteVets.

Senate

The Senate companion, S. 2365, is led by Senators Udall, Moran, Tester, Rounds, and Smith.

Next Steps

NCUIH will continue to monitor the bill as it moves forward and continue to advocate for health care access for urban Indian Veterans.

Background

 

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PRESS RELEASE: Congress Announces $8.3 Billion for Coronavirus with Funding for Urban Indian Organizations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-417-7781, mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH helped ensure Urban Indian Organizations were included in funding.

Washington, DC (March 4, 2020) – Today, Congress announced they have reached an $8.3 billion agreement for emergency supplemental appropriations to combat Coronavirus. The bill includes CDC funds totaling $2.2 billion which includes funding for cooperative agreements for “tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes, to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities.” The bill also included $40 million for tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes through the CDC.

This is a major victory for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) as UIOs were missed in past emergency funding such as the Zika response efforts. This funding will assist in UIOs properly preparing to combat this outbreak for urban AI/ANs.

“NCUIH is glad to see Congress come together so quickly to provide the critical funding necessary to protect the health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients across Indian Country,” said Francys Crevier, Executive Director “particularly to protect those AI/ANs who live within cities and urban areas, where the COVID-19 is spreading at a rapid pace.”

On Friday, February 28, the National Council of Urban Indian Health sent a letter to Appropriations Chair Betty McCollum urging Congress to include UIOs in Coronavirus response efforts. NCUIH also issued a press release calling for Congress to support urban Indians in emergency supplemental funding. NCUIH has been working closely with the House and Senate on bill language to ensure the whole IHS I/T/U system is included in resources for coronavirus.

The House plans to vote today on the bill, with the Senate expected to pass the package on Thursday.

NCUIH will continue to monitor this legislation and the ongoing health risks to American Indian and Alaska Native patients and the urban Indian communities where they reside.

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