November 29, 2021 | Issue 21-34 |
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Congress Returns to a Busy December |
Congress has a busy December schedule. Upon return from the holiday recess, the Senate will take up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which provides important authorities for this nation’s defense. It is considered a “must-pass” bill, which has typically been passed and signed into law nearly every year. It is rare that Congress does not pass this before the end of each year. Immediately after the NDAA, the Senate will take up the Appropriations measure which must be passed, sent over to the House of Representatives, passed, and signed into law by the President by midnight, Friday, December 3, 2021.
Congress must still address the debt ceiling before mid-December. The White House issued a brief summary of the debt ceiling and what it means to the nation and individuals. If Congress does not raise the debt ceiling, then the United States may not be able to pay for its obligations which, according to the White House summary, may include programs such as Medicare or Social Security.
In addition to these other measures, Congressional leaders have signaled their intent to pass the Budget Reconciliation measure, the Build Back Better Act, which is intended to carry out the President’s domestic agenda relating to social programs, climate change, health care access, and taxation – by the end of the year. That measure has been passed by the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate.
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The Budget Reconciliation measure, the Build Back Better Act, pending in the Senate |
After being passed by the House of Representatives on November 19, 2021, the Build Back Better Act, H.R. 5376, was sent to the Senate where it will most likely undergo additional changes, lengthy negotiations, and perhaps program cuts before it is finalized. Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Sinema (D-AZ) have voiced concerns about the top line dollar amount which has been cut from $3.5 Trillion to approximately $1.9 Trillion. Indian program funding, including Indian health care, was also cut significantly. It is possible that figure of $1.9 Trillion may be reduced further. If so, Congress could look to any and all programs for reduction.
The National Indian Health Board provided a summary of the programs and funding for Indian health-related provisions. While negotiations on the bill continue throughout November and December, consideration of the bill may begin as early as December 6, 2021. |
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UPDATES FROM THE FEDERAL & STATE ADMINISTRATIONS |
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Update from IHS on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians |
On November 15, the Indian Health Service (IHS) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter on an update on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). Specifically, this letter details a recap of the fiscal year 2021 funding and upcoming changes for fiscal year 2022 to the program. This information may be important for Tribal communities who house SDPI programs. Questions on the SDPI program can be answered by Ms. Carmen Hardin, the Acting Director of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention at the IHS at 844-447-3387. Questions on SDPI grant issues can be answered by Mr. Paul Gettys, the Acting Director for the Division of Grants Management at IHS at 301-443-5204.
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Biden Harris Administration New Initiative on Improving Prescription Drug Costs Transparency |
On November 17, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on improving transparency and oversight of prescription drugs and medical costs. This initiative through the Biden Harris administration requires health insurance issuers, employer-based health plans and other types of group health plans to report on their prescription drug and health coverage costs. Through these new reporting requirements, the administration hopes to be able to identify trends in consumer prescription drug costs. These changes may be important for Tribal communities and Tribal individuals who have health insurance to understand the use of their data. More information on how this data will be collected and analyzed can be found here.
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Deadline Extended for Nominations to the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee |
On November 19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a notice on an extension of the deadline for nominations to the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity (CIIHE) Tribal Advisory Committee. This advisory committee will provide advice and support to the HHS CIIHE on policy development, research, and education, to help combat health disparities that impact American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The deadline for submission of nominations is now January 7, 2022.
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Applications for the Advisory Committee on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing are Now Open |
On November 19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on an initiative to protect consumers and improve ground ambulance billing practices through the implementation of the No Surprises Act. This act will work in collaboration with a newly established Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee. This committee will provide recommendations on ground ambulance services and balance billing. Specifically, the Biden Harris administration is implementing an advisory committee that will provide support and advice to the Secretary of HHS, Labor and Treasury on how to protect consumers from expensive charges and balance billing related to ground ambulance services. This committee may be important for American Indian and Alaska Native communities that Applicants interested in serving on this committee must apply by December 13, 2021.
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New Awards from HHS on the Health Care Workforce in Rural and Underserved Communities |
On November 22, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on rural and underserved communities’ health care workforce awards. $1.5 billion will be invested in more than 22,700 primary care providers who serve the nation’s Tribal, rural, and urban communities. These awards will also be available to Loan Repayment Programs and American Rescue Plan funded facilities through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These awards may be beneficial for Tribal communities located in rural areas to provide incentive to health care workers where work force retention is already low.
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Marketplace Open Enrollment is Now Open |
On November 1, individuals can preview 2022 health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period will run from November 1 to January 15. 2022 and is the perfect opportunity for individuals who are looking to change or update their health care coverage or for those who are interested in applying for health care coverage.
These changes may be helpful for American Indian and Alaska Native people who have families of mixed decent and who are interested in changing their health care plan or enrolling in a new plan. For additional assistance click here or visit your Indian Health Service, Tribal health clinic and Urban Indian facility and see your Tribal enrollment assister to help you through the application process. For an updated fact sheet click here.
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Medicare Open Enrollment is Now Open |
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends December 7, 2021. This period also includes updating and review your Medicare plan — it's worth at least checking to see if your current plan remains your best option for more information American Indian and Alaska Native individuals should talk to their Patient Benefit Coordinators and their Tribal enrollment assisters to make sure the Medicare plan, they sign up for does not affect the services they already receive at your local Indian Health Service (IHS) facility or Tribal health care facility.
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Additional Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Updates |
January 15 is the last day to sign up for health insurance through the Marketplace. December 15 is the last day to enroll and make your premium payment for the Marketplace and have an effective date of January 1, 2021. It is important for Tribal enrollment assisters and patient benefit coordinators to understand these changes meant to help more people enroll into health insurance. Other recent changes include a Partner Toolkit which is designed to provide access to partners to Marketplace outreach resources. For resources related to social media outreach click here. For graphics click here, and for talking points click here. For specific resources related to AI/ANs please click here. For Tribal outreach materials to help with educating individuals on the Marketplace, please go to the CMS Division of Tribal Affairs Outreach page here.
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Administration for Children and Families Seeking Nominations for Tribal Advisory Committee |
- Billings Alternate
- California Alternate
Vacancies will be filled on a rolling basis. Click here to learn more.
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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 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.
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IHS New Funding Opportunity
The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced $9.24 million in funding for Tribal self-governance and urban Indian health. Specifically, there will be three different programs that will be available to assist Tribes and urban Indian organizations. The planning cooperative agreement, the negotiation cooperative agreement and the 4-in-1 grant program funding. All three of these funding opportunities aim to assist American Indian and Alaska Native communities with planning and preparation of providing healthcare through the Tribal Self-Governance Program. Applications for the planning and negotiation cooperative agreements are due on February 10, 2022. The applications for the 4-in-1 grant program are due February 8, 2022.
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New Funding from HHS to Address Barriers Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine
On November 10, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on $143.5 million that will be dispersed to expand community-based efforts and address barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations. This funding will come directly from the American Rescue Plan and will emphasize local outreach on vaccines to build confidence and address previous barriers related to the vaccine in communities across the United States. Specifically, there will be two programs this money will be distributed to and will be built on previous Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding. This funding is available to Tribal communities and could aid those communities in initiating outreach and education on the COVID-19 vaccine to boost vaccination rates.
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Additional Funding from HHS for Rapid COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing
On November 10, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an announcement on the Biden administration investment of $650 million in rapid diagnostic testing. This investment will be used to increase access to COVID-19 tests. Specifically, hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies and other community health care settings will receive these tests. This funding may be beneficial for Tribal health care facilities and Tribal hospitals who provide COVID-19 testing to their community in attaining additional tests.
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Visit the NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center at:
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