The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) continually brings forward the concerns and perspectives of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the larger Health Care Reform discussion. NIHB recognizes that our nation's health care system must be reformed in order to make health insurance and health care available to more Americans. We will continue to meet with the policymakers in the Obama Administration, Congress and other health organizations to ensure that the unique needs of American Indians/Alaska Natives are addressed in health care reform legislation.
The National Indian Health Board submitted comments to Dr. Roubideaux and Mr. Paul Dioguardi of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at DHHS on the Tribal consultation initiated by the May 12, 2010 Dear Tribal Leader letter. To view NIHB’s letter, click here
The Tribal Technical Advisory Group, the Medicare and Medicaid Policy Committee and the National Indian Health Board also submitted a joint letter in response to the consultation. To view this letter, click here
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service have announced a formal Tribal consultation with Tribal leaders on the implementation of the Indian provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. To read the “Dear Tribal Leader” letter click here. Comments are due by July 1, 2010, and are to be submitted to Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH, in writing or by email.
By mail:
Yvette Roubideaux, M.D., M.P.H.
Indian Health Service
801 Thompson Ave, Suite 440
Rockville, MD 20852
Or by email at:
Additional Information:
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CMS is pleased to announce the release of the first letter in a series of guidance regarding the Medicaid changes and improvements that are included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the Affordable Care Act) as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
Specifically, this letter provides initial guidance on section 2001 of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Coverage for the Lowest Income Populations, which establishes a new Medicaid eligibility group and the option for States to begin providing medical assistance to individuals eligible under this new group as of April 1, 2010. For the first time since the Medicaid program was established, States will be able to receive Federal Medicaid funding to provide coverage under their State Medicaid plan for the lowest income adults, without regard to disability, parental status or most other categorical limitations.
States may elect to phase-in coverage for this new eligibility group at any time, but for an effective date of April 1, 2010, States need to submit amendments to their State plans by June 30, 2010. We are looking forward to working closely with States as they consider implementing this important new option.
Click here to download a copy of the CMS Letter.
The White House has provided facts sheets to provide more information to educate people about what health reform will mean for you.
The NIHB is interested in your questions about health care reform. If you have a question, please submit it to webmailinquiries@nihb.org and we will do our best to find the answer. Thank you!