This week, Tribal leaders met with several federal agencies during the first Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting of the new administration. The STAC was established in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a coordinated, Department-wide strategy to incorporate Tribal guidance on HHS priorities, policies, and budget.
This month’s meeting focused on several critical topics, including Medicaid, traditional healing practices, and recent leadership changes within HHS. Here are the highlights:
New HHS Leadership
The STAC welcomed the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of HHS on February 13, 2025. Secretary Kennedy shared in his opening remarks that one reason he welcomed his appointment was his desire to work with IHS. The Secretary also expressed his eagerness to hear from STAC representatives about their ideas for improving the health of Native people and increasing their access to healthy foods. The STAC looks forward to working with the Secretary advance Tribal health priorities and strengthen the government-to-government relationship.
Preserving Medicaid for American Indians and Alaska Natives
The STAC discussed the importance of Medicaid to the Indian healthcare system. With Medicaid Reform dominating discussion on budget reconciliation, Tribal leaders elevated the need to protect American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries’ access to Medicaid through target exemptions from work requirements or per capita cost caps. The STAC networked with the new Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Director, Drew Snyder, who joined CMS from Mississippi where he was the long-serving State Medicaid Director and had previously worked with Mississippi Tribes.
Protecting Federal Employees Serving Tribal Communities
A key discussion point was the importance of protecting and supporting federal employees who serve Tribal communities. The committee requested that the Secretary provide written exemption for IHS employees from any Reduction in Force initiatives. They also emphasized the need to improve recruitment, retention, and workplace safety for staff working in remote and underserved areas. Ensuring federal employees that support Tribal health across HHS are supported is critical to maintaining essential services for Tribal nations.
Making America Healthy and Supporting Traditional Foods and Medicines
The STAC reaffirmed its commitment to integrating traditional healing practices into federal programs, services, and activities serving AI/AN people. STAC representatives emphasized their traditional medicines, ecological knowledge, and culture as a vital resource for improving the health of AI/AN communities. Secretary Kennedy has made “Make America Healthy Again” a priority of HHS, and STAC representatives echoed their support for this opportunity to elevate the health of Tribal citizens.
Looking Ahead
The committee encourages Tribal leaders to participate in upcoming consultations and provide input on key policy issues. Your voice is essential to shaping policies that impact Tribal health!
