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May 7, 2021 | Issue 21-15

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Tribal Advisory Committee Corner Share your expertise! See a full list of TAC vacancies. Upcoming Events Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Reform Policy Committee (MMPC) Monthly Meeting May 10, 2021 National Council on Urban Indian Health Annual Conference May 25-27, 2021 NCAI Annual Mid-Year Conference Early Bird Registration through May 30, 2021 June 20-24, 2021 NIHB Website NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center Find your Senators and Congressional Representative! Sign up for NIHB newsletters! Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting On May 5 and 6, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee met to consult with the various departments within HHS. This included the National Institutes of Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Administration for Community Living, the Offices of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, and the Indian Health Service. Secretary Xavier Becerra was initially scheduled to speak at this committee meeting but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. The Tribal Advisory Committee meets regularly and provides a platform for Tribes to express any concerns or recommendations they have directly to the various HHS departments. President Biden Releases the American Families Plan On April 28, President Biden released his American Families Plan ahead of his first joint address to Congress. This plan, in conjunction with the previously released American Jobs Plan, is part of a broader investment in the country by the Biden Administration. This plan includes $1.8 trillion in spending and introduces new tax credits over ten years. The plan focuses on expanding early childhood and higher education, tax cuts for American families, and tax reform that impacts the wealthiest Americans. The President did not include any major health care reform or mention the Indian Health Service, Tribal health care, or Urban Indian health in this plan.

NEWS FROM CAPITOL HILL

House Energy and Commerce Committee Announces Hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services Budget On May 4, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health announced a hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 titled “The Fiscal Year 2022 HHS Budget.” The hearing will take place on: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 10:30 AM EDT Watch here HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra will be present to discuss the FY 2022 needs for the department and the priorities of the Biden Administration. The Indian Health Service falls within HHS and will be an important part of this hearing. WATCH HEARING HERE

President Biden Proclaims May 5th Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day On May 4, President Biden released a Proclamation designating May 5, 2021, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. In the proclamation, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to solving the systemic issues surrounding the elevated rates of missing and murdered AI/AN individuals, including the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act which expired in 2018. Acting Director of the Indian Health Service Elizabeth Fowler released a statement on May 5 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. On May 5, Chairman Raúl Grijalva of the House Natural Resources Committee which has jurisdiction over Tribes in the House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan resolution designating May 5 as the “National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”.  READ MORE HERE

Senators Tina Smith and Lisa Murkowski Introduce the Tribal Health Data Improvement Act On May 3, Senators Tina Smith and Lisa Murkowski introduced the Tribal Health Data Improvement Act. This bill would strengthen data sharing between Tribes, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Indian Health Board has been working with the Senators’ staff and supports this legislation. Read the full press release with NIHB’s comment here.  READ MORE HERE

UPDATES FROM THE FEDERAL & STATE ADMINISTRATIONS

Updates to the CMS Coverage and Reimbursement of COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccine Administration, and Cost-Sharing Toolkit On May 5, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an announcement on updates made to their Coverage and Reimbursement of COVID-19 Vaccines, Vaccine Administration, and Cost-Sharing Toolkit under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program. Updates in this revised toolkit include an expansion of the mandatory benefit for vaccine and vaccine administration coverage to certain Medicaid beneficiaries, a 100% federal match for COVID-19 vaccines and their administration, as well as the authorization of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. These changes will be beneficial in providing guidance to Tribal health centers and clinics on reimbursement and coverage specifics related to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in their communities.  READ MORE HERE

HHS Dear Tribal Leader Letter on Tribal Consultation May 5, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on Tribal consultation. This letter is in response to the presidential memorandum put forth by President Biden that required HHS to submit a detailed plan for strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship the federal government has with Tribal nations. The agency will now convene with the special workgroup of the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) to work collaboratively in reviewing comments received regarding the development of a plan to strengthen the HHS consultation policy. On March 26, 2021, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) submitted a letter to HHS on their Tribal consultation policy which can be found here. READ MORE HERE

New HRSA Funding for HRSA Health Centers through the American Rescue Plan On April 29, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on $32 million in funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for organizations that provide training and technical assistance support to HRSA health center programs such as, Primary Care Associations (PCAs) National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAPs) and Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs). These funds will be critical in providing health centers located in Tribal communities with the necessary COVID-19 training to safely and effectively vaccinate Tribal members.  READ MORE HERE

IHS DTLL on a Comment Deadline Extension to the Buy Indian Act of 1910 Regulation On April 26, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on an update of the proposed rulemaking to implement the Buy Indian Act of 1910 and amend the regulations related to the IHS contracting policy and procedures. Specifically, the IHS has reopened the comment period for an additional 60 days for the Buy Indian Act proposed rulemaking final rule. Those comments are now due June 21, 2021. In addition to the reopening of the comment period, IHS will also be conducting a virtual Tribal consultation on the act before the close of the comment period. This contracting policy dictates how the IHS conducts business with outside entities who are needed to accurately carry out the needs of Tribes and Tribal organizations when specific work is outside the scope of the IHS. These policies and procedures will provide IHS Tribal health centers and organizations with clarity and guidance while working with IHS specified contractors.  READ MORE HERE

IHS DTLL on IHS Consultation Policy On April 27, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on initiating Tribal consultation for recommendations on how to improve the IHS Tribal consultation policy and process. This DTLL also specifies the need for nominations of Tribal members to serve on a new IHS Director’s Advisory Workgroup on Tribal Consultation. This consultation is intended to receive feedback from Tribal leaders on how to better serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities as well as strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Tribes. A Tribal consultation session will be held on June 8, 2021to discuss recommendations, while written comments on the policy will be due on June 15, 2021.   READ MORE HERE

IHS DTLL on Appropriation Funding Distribution On April 28, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL) on the decision of funding distribution of $5 million from the fiscal year 2020 appropriations. These funds will go to support the national Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) expansion. The CHAP includes the collaboration of behavioral, community, and dental professionals to offer patients access to quality care in rural Alaskan areas. This expansion will implement this program in the lower 48 states. In 2020 IHS released a notice on this decision that the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) commented on in November of 2020. The distribution of these funds will begin as soon as possible and will provide Tribal communities with additional funding for the implementation of the CHAP program.  READ MORE HERE

VA Seeking Nominations for a New Tribal Advisory Committee On May 5, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a notice on a solicitation for nominations to their Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian affairs. Individuals interested in applying should be able to identify specific issues for Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations related to Native American Veterans and the Department. Individuals should also be able to propose solutions to issues raised regarding Tribal consultation reports and additionally provide clarification on such issues to the department. Nominations are due on June 1, 2021. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has commented on the department's plan for a Tribal Advisory Committee in the past in a January 8, 2021 article by the United States Senate Committee of Veteran Affairs. This committee is the result of a tireless effort by NIHB in 2020 to codify this committee in law. Read more here. READ MORE HERE

HRSA Seeking Nominations for a Tribal Advisory Council The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is seeking nominations for their Tribal Advisory Council (TAC). These individuals are required to be Tribal officials who have the authority within their Tribe to act on behalf of their communities and who represent the collective views of the Tribes in the area from which they were nominated. These individuals when nominated will serve a length of two years before new nominations will take place. Currently, the areas open for nomination include the Albuquerque Area, California Area, Phoenix Area, and the Tucson Area. To see the work the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has done on Tribal Advisory Committees please click here. Eligibility criteria for those interested in applying can be found here.  READ MORE HERE

GRANTS, RESOURCES AND EVENTS

All Tribal and Urban Indian Organization May All Tribal and Urban Indian Organization Leaders Call The Indian Health Service (IHS) will resume monthly calls to provide an IHS update to Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organization Leaders. We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 13, to hear an update and share your input with IHS officials. Date: Thursday, May 13, 2021 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT Conference Call: 800-857-5577 Participant Passcode: 6703929 Webinar Adobe Connect: https://ihs.cosocloud.com/r4k6jib09mj/ Participant Password: ihs123 WATCH HERE

Tribal Managed-Care Virtual Round Table The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in coordination with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will be hosting a Tribal Managed-Care Virtual Round Table on Wednesday, May 19 from 12:30pm to 5:00pm ET. This round table will feature best practices and strategies for implementing Medicaid managed care in Tribal communities. The event will be a moderated panel discussion and will feature speakers from Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, California, Oregon, and Washington. The speakers will be from states and Tribes and will share their perspectives on the implementation of Medicaid managed care. Event Details: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 12:30PM – 5:30 PM EDT Register Here For questions, please contact Chris Chavis at cchavis@nihb.org.  REGISTER HERE

IHS Virtual Tribal Consultation on IHS Tribal Consultation Policy and Process On Tuesday, June 8, 2021, the Indian Health Service is hosting a virtual Tribal Consultation session to seek Tribal input on how to improve the Tribal Consultation Policy and process. Written comments and recommendations on the IHS consultation policy are due by Tuesday, June 15, 2021 and can be submitted to consultation@ihs.gov with the subject line “IHS Tribal Consultation Policy and Process.” Time 1:00pm – 2:30 pm EDT Phone: (833) 568-8864, Meeting ID: 161 5609 4640, Passcode: 571603 Zoom information can be found on the event page here. READ MORE HERE

Health Resources and Services Administration Workforce Funding through the American Rescue Plan  On May 4, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that $250 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan will be used to develop and support a community-based workforce who will serve as trusted messengers, increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence, and address any barriers to vaccination for individuals living in vulnerable and medically underserved communities.   Award recipients will need to engage with multiple organizations and should have existing relationships or the capacity to quickly form new relationships with regional and/or local community organizations. This may include entities such as:  Community-based organizations (including faith-based organizations, social service organizations)  Regional, state, and local chapters of national associations  Regional commissions  Regional and local health departments  Health centers and other community-based health providers  Minority-serving institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic serving institutions, and Asian American and Pacific Islander serving institutions  Tribes and Tribal Organizations  Philanthropic Organizations  Local municipal entities, such as fire and EMS departments  Social service providers (e.g. food banks, community transportation, childcare)  Community Action Coalitions, Chambers of Commerce, Health Equity Councils, and other community groups A link to this first funding opportunity can be found here. READ MORE HERE

National Council of Urban Indian Health Annual Conference From May 25 to May 27, the National Council of Urban Indian Health is having their annual conference, themed Circle of Resilience: Empowering Indian Country in a Virtual World. Scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST each day, the sessions at this year's conference will focus on culture, medicine, wellness, and adapting to a virtual world. If you would like to register for the conference, click here. REGISTER HERE

NCAI Mid-Year Conference Registration Open Registration for the National Congress for American Indians Mid-Year Conference is now open. The conference will occur virtually this year and provide tribal leaders and partners an opportunity to discuss work on issues facing Tribal Nations. The virtual conference will be held:   June 20-24, 2021 Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 30, 2021 Register here The conference agenda can be found on NCAI’s website here. REGISTER HERE

CMS Extends Healthcare.gov Marketplace Special Enrollment Period On March 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an extension for the HealthCare.gov Special Enrolment Period. Originally through May 15, the extended enrollment period goes through August 15, 2021. The reason for the extension is to allow families to obtain Marketplace health care coverage during the ongoing public health emergency. For more information on the special enrollment period, visit the CMS website here. READ MORE HERE

National Indian Health Board | www.nihb.org | 202-507-4070 Visit the NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center at:  www.nihb.org/covid-19 To reach the NIHB COVID-19 Response Team, contact cwheeler@nihb.org For media inquiries, contact April Hale at ahale@nihb.org

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