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Tribal leaders press HHS for clearer HR1 exemptions, direct funding and 340B protections
Summary
At an HHS tribal consultation, tribal leaders urged immediate protections for Indian health programs as agencies outlined HR1 implementation, new behavioral health block grants, and research investments. Tribes pressed for direct funding instead of state pass-throughs and warned that a 340B rebate model could close tribal pharmacies.
Tribal leaders pressed senior HHS officials on Wednesday for clearer guidance and more direct funding as agencies outlined plans to implement HR1, expand behavioral health programs, and bolster research and data supports for Indian country.
At the consultation, Jessica Stephens, acting group director of CMS’s Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS), said CMS is preparing tribal-specific guidance to implement HR1’s eligibility, redetermination and cost-sharing provisions and is coordinating with tribal technical advisory groups to ensure tribal exceptions are applied correctly. "We are committed to providing tribal-specific guidance in the not-too-distant future," Stephens said, adding that CMS leadership is working to staff and support its Division of Tribal Affairs.
Tribal leaders, however, said administrative guidance is not enough. "Tribes need direct funding and clear, government-to-government consultation so states do not dilute or divert funds meant for our communities," said Corey Bunch, noting wide variation among…
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