This Blog is a space for the NCUIH Policy and Legislation Department to communicate with NCUIH's stakeholders. The blog includes announcements, news and organizational accomplishments among others
Thank you so much for making our NCUIH Washington Summit an absolute success! We truly appreciate everyone’s support and participation and hope that you were able to take something away from the Summit. A few friendly reminders:
Washington, D.C. – The 2016 Presidential election results have created panic among those in the healthcare industry, as the new administration states they will repeal all or much of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) reaffirms its mission to fight for quality and access to healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
On September 28, 2016 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held an in-person Tribal consultation session at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC to discuss amending the current VA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) status to consolidate multiple community care programs, previously known as non-VA care, into one standard program with standard rates. The meeting was announced on September 12, 2016 through a Dear Tribal Leader Letter. NCUIH Board member Kerry Lessard and NCUIH Policy Analyst and Congressional Relations Liaison Francys Crevier emphasized the need to work with the VA to allow Urban Indian Health Programs the ability to have MOUs to better serve Native veterans. These MOUs would reimburse UIHPs for services provided to Native veterans who often prefer going to a UIHP for service rather than the VA because of shorter wait times and culturally competent care.
On Friday, February 26, 2016 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Dear State Health Official letter regarding 100% FMAP to inform state agencies and health officials about the update in payment policy affecting federal funding for services received by Medicaid-eligible individuals who are AI/ANs through facilities of the Indian Health Service (IHS), whether operated by IHS or Tribes. This update to the national policy has Tribal implications for IHS and Tribal facilities as well as on Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) that provide services to AI/AN Medicaid beneficiaries
Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI) invites all interested AI/AN to participate in a Focus Group for the U.S. Census Bureau. KAI is organizing these focus groups in 11 cities around the country. Participants in these groups will provide valuable insight that could help improve the U.S. Census form and the information it gathers about AI/AN.
