All Tribes Calls and Webinars

All Tribes Calls and Webinars provide an opportunity for CMS to solicit input from Indian Health Services (IHS), Tribes and Tribal organizations, and urban Indian programs (ITU) on implementation or changes to CMS policies impacting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) beneficiaries. The topics for the calls are identified based on CMS proposed and final regulations, policies and initiatives, or other topics requested by ITUs or other stakeholders. Information is presented by subject matter experts using cleared materials.

Please call in approximately fifteen minutes prior to the call and identify yourself by name and tribe. Please send questions, feedback, and suggestions for future topics to be discussed on calls or webinars to the CMS Tribal Affairs mailbox at tribalaffairs@cms.hhs.gov.

The All Tribes Calls and Webinars are archived below.

Stay tuned for
the next All Tribes webinar

 

All Tribes Call and Webinar Archive

2024

Date	Description	Video
May 29	All Tribes Webinar on the Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility and Enrollment Final Rule The one-hour webinar will provide information on the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and enrollment processes and share key highlights of a newly released regulation: Streamlining Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes (CMS-2421-F2). Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)
April 3	All Tribes Consultation Webinar on Medicaid Coverage of Traditional Health Care Practices The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS State Demonstrations Group, held an All Tribes Consultation Webinar to obtain advice and input on pending section 1115(a) demonstration proposals for Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for traditional health care practices provided by qualifying providers at Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal facilities. Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)
February 22	All Tribes Webinar on Best Practices and Lessons Learned on Improving Health Coverage in Tribal Communities: This webinar highlights the importance of outreach and education of health coverage options and share best practices to improve enrollment in Tribal communities. This webinar also provides an overview of how lessons learned can help gain insights and knowledge to measure the success of outreach and education. Copy of Presentation of webinar (PDF)
January 17	CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities During this webinar, CMS provides an overview and updates on the CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities, and rural health resources including Coverage to Care, Tribal Roadmap to Better Care, community engagement efforts, and forthcoming initiatives. Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)

2023

Date	Description	Video
December 6	Tribal Protections in Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care Oversight Toolkit This webinar provides an overview of the Tribal Protections in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Oversight Toolkit, released October 30. The toolkit is a resource for states, managed care plans, and Indian Health Care Providers (IHCPs) to use when implementing the statutory and regulatory Medicaid and CHIP managed care protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). This toolkit expands on the National Indian Health Board’s Medicaid Managed Care Report recommendations on what states and managed care plans can do to maximize the benefits of Medicaid and CHIP managed care for enrollees and IHCPs. Specifically, the toolkit provides resources and strategies that states, managed care plans, tribes, and IHCPs can use to: Improve state-tribal relationships in the implementation of Indian protections in Medicaid and CHIP managed care including tribal consultation; Require managed care plans to maintain a tribal liaison position; Improve contracting between managed care plans and IHCPs by using the model Medicaid and CHIP managed care contract addendum; Develop internal processes to improve understanding of the managed care delivery system for AI/ANs and IHCPs; and Partner with tribes or tribal organizations to develop an Indian managed care entity. Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)
August 8	The CY 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (1786-P) and Physician Fee Schedule (1784-P) Proposed Rules This webinar provides an overview of the CY 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System (1786-P), and Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) (1784-P) Proposed Rules. The webinar gives an overview of proposed provisions in the PFS that may be of interest to Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal facilities, including caregiver training services, services addressing health-related social needs, and telehealth services. Additionally, the webinar includes a synopsis of the OPPS proposed rule and specifically: Provide an overview of a proposal for payment to IHS and tribal facilities that convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital Seek comments on paying for high-cost drugs and services provided by IHS and tribal facilities outside the IHS All-Inclusive Rate Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)
June 22	All Tribes Webinar on Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Medicaid Benefits and Health Programs Group provided an overview of home and community-based services (HCBS) provisions in the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services (CMS 2442-P) proposed rule and to discuss flexibilities under Medicaid to continue paying family caregivers as providers, following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Over the past several decades, HCBS have become a critical component of the Medicaid program and are part of a larger framework of progress toward community integration of older adults and people of all ages with disabilities that spans efforts across the Federal government. CMS recently released the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services (CMS 2442-P) notice of proposed rule-making. We invite participants to attend our session to understand the HCBS provisions included in the proposed rule and to hear about and how they relate to the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This webinar will describe how CMS is proposing to establish a strategy for oversight, monitoring, quality assurance, and quality improvement for HCBS programs and discuss other important proposed policies related to HCBS. In addition, presenters will go over family caregiving reimbursement flexibilities continued after the PHE. The Fact Sheet that provides a summary of key HCBS provisions
May 31	All Tribes Webinar: How CMS Can Contribute to Reducing the Burden of Illness of Diabetes During this session, CMS will briefly present an overview of the Medicare diabetes prevention and treatment services strategy, their conditions of coverage demonstrating low rates of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) beneficiary CMMI-Diabetes Prevention Program supplier use. The purpose of the Listening Session will be to obtain advice and input on ways in which accessibility and use of effective Medicare diabetes prevention programs and services can be improved among AI/ANs at risk for and with type 2 diabetes. Our initial focus will be Medicare enrollees. We invite participants to attend our session to understand how CMS can contribute to improving accessibility and use of effective diabetes prevention and control programs and services among AI/ANs who are enrolled in Medicare. Diabetes Disparities in Medicare Snapshot (PDF) Copy of the Presentation for Call (PDF)
May 24	All Tribes Webinar Re-envisioning Quality Improvement Through a Community-Centered Lens The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Center for Clinal Standards & Quality, held an All Tribes Webinar on how CMS is re-envisioning quality improvement through a community-centered lens. CMS is re-envisioning quality improvement efforts for the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Healthcare Quality Initiative, through a community-centered lens, which will offer an approach that would customize technical assistance to directly meet the needs of AI/AN communities. We invite participants to attend our session to understand the general capabilities of our program, and help us co-design it to better serve the AI/AN communities within the context of their lived reality. This webinar will describe CMS’ existing program that seeks to help Indian Health Service and Tribal health care providers improve health outcomes to keep people safe when they access the health system, help people transition between home and health systems safely, and prevent avoidable harm from medical errors. This session will also show how our program benefits IHS and Tribal health care providers in enhancing certification and accreditation readiness and strengthening organizational capacity, through the sharing of best practices for optimal governance, leadership, workforce and operational efficiency. Copy of the Presentation for the Call (PDF) (PDF)
May 17	All Tribes Webinar on Medicare Inflation Rebates and Negotiations The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Center for Medicare held an All Tribes Webinar to provide an overview of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), and specifically, the new Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program and the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, which will lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Under the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, CMS is required to exclude from the total number of units for a dosage form and strength for a Part D rebatable drug, those units for which a manufacturer provides a discount under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. While Part D drugs inflation program began in in October 2022, the law requires CMS to start excluding 340B units starting in January 2026. CMS is seeking input on whether submission of the 340B identifier on the pharmacy claim is the preferred mechanism to identify 340B units dispensed in Part D, or if there is a better alternative. In other words, CMS is interested in ascertaining the most reliable way to identify Part D claims filled with 340B units so these associated units can be excluded from the determination of units of Part D rebatable drugs. For more information please review the Inflation Rebates Program Initial Guidance (PDF) (PDF). Specifically, section 40.2.7 named Exclusion of 340B Acquired Units from Part D Rebatable Drug Requirements. The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program guidance (PDF) (PDF). There is a similar 340B issue that is discussed in section 40.4.1 Nonduplication with 340B Ceiling Price. All Tribes Webinar - Medicare Inflation Rebates and Negotiation Presentation (PDF) (PDF)
March 27	All Tribes Webinar- Returning to Routine Operations after the Public Health Emergency as it Relates to Medicaid and CHIP Disaster Relief SPAs and 1135 Waivers The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Medicaid CHIP and Operations Group is holding this All Tribes Engagement Webinar to discuss returning to routine operations after the Public Health Emergency (PHE), as it relates to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Disaster Relief SPAs and 1135 Waivers. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an update of the planning and actions states will need to take as the PHE comes to an end. States must comply with regulatory and statutory requirements when transitioning back to normal operations. States will be reviewing flexibilities used during the PHE to determine which flexibilities will no longer be needed and which ones they may want to continue temporarily or on a permanent basis. This presentation will focus on actions the states will be taking to enact those decisions, including applicable requirements of public notice and tribal consultation. To review the updated CMS guidance on planning for the resumption of normal state Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program (BHP) operations upon conclusion of the COVID-19 PHE, see the August 13, 2021 State Health Official Letter (SHO) #21-002 (PDF)
January 26	Contract Year 2024 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs Proposed Rule (CMS-4201-P) Comments on the proposed rule were due by February 13, 2023 and can be accessed at the Federal Register. Please note that comments must be submitted through the formal rule-making process to be considered for any NPRM. Background: On December 14, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that proposes revisions to regulations governing Medicare Advantage (MA or Part C), the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plans and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The proposed rule includes policies that would improve beneficiary protections. In addition, the proposed policies would increase access to care, including behavioral health services, and promote equity in coverage and care. The proposed rule is informed by feedback from the approximately 4,000 responses received to the July 2022 MA request for information. Purpose: This All Tribes consultation webinar will provide an overview of the NPRM and allow participants to ask questions. The rule covers the following provisions: Ensuring Timely Access to Care: Utilization Management Requirements Protecting Beneficiaries: Marketing Requirements Strengthening Quality: Star Ratings Program AdvancingHealth Equity Improving Access to Behavioral Health Improving Drug Affordability and Access in Part D Making Permanent: Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program Enhancing Financial Stability: Expanding Low-Income Subsidies Under Part D View the fact sheet on the proposed rule.

2022

Date	Description	Video
December 15	Listening Session for IHS, Tribal, and Urban Health Care Providers on Emergency Preparedness The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with the CMS Center for Clinical Standards & Quality (CCSQ), held an All Tribes Listening Session to obtain information and feedback from Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal and Urban health care providers and emergency response staff on Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers. The input and lessons-learned from this All Tribes Listening Session will be used to evaluate CMS regulations regarding emergency preparedness for certain health care providers. CMS is especially interested in hearing input on these questions: How has the extended duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency affected the workforce at your facility/employer? How has your facility/employer addressed any staffing shortages? How has your facility/employer approached the delivery of patient/resident care in light of staffing shortages? What are some innovative approaches that your facility/employer has taken to address the impacts of emergency situations on health care staff? What resources are available in your community to support health care workers during and after emergency events? How often (if at all) do you participate in emergency preparedness exercises, and what do those exercises entail? How did the exercises prepare you to address actual emergency situations? What can CMS do to ensure a more resilient healthcare workforce to withstand future emergencies? Participants are encouraged to review the following rules as background prior to the listening session: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions To Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction; Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Dialysis Facilities; Hospital and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Changes To Promote Innovation, Flexibility, and Improvement in Patient Care
December 8	Telehealth Development During the Public Health Emergency Telehealth is the utilization of technology to provide health care services to patients. Beginning March 6, 2020, Medicare announced several flexibilities related to the delivery and reimbursement of telehealth services that were not offered before the COVID-19 PHE. Medicaid’s approach to telehealth has always allowed for states to have broad flexibilities when it came to designing their state telehealth policies. However, due to the PHE, State Medicaid Agencies responded by making additional changes to their Medicaid and CHIP telehealth policies to ensure the patients were maintaining access to their health care providers. Purpose: The webinar will highlight telehealth flexibilities during the PHE, recent data on utilization of telehealth services, policy changes that impact American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), and future telehealth opportunities. Our presenter will also review CMS’ Medicaid Telehealth toolkit and supplemental toolkit, which features health resources to assist in navigating telehealth developments and flexibilities. The CMS Medicaid Telehealth toolkit and supplemental toolkit (PDF) Telehealth Presentation (PDF) Telehealth Report (PDF)
November 15	All Tribes Consultation Webinar on Marketplace Open Enrollment The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO), is holding an All Tribes Consultation Webinar on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time to provide updates on Marketplace Open Enrollment for Tribal communities. The Open Enrollment Period occurs every year and currently begins on November 1, 2022 and ends on January 15, 2023. Members of federally-recognized tribes and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporation shareholders can enroll year-round, not just during the yearly Open Enrollment Period. However, we encourage enrollment during the open enrollment period to ensure family members who are not members of a federally-recognized Tribe are covered for the year, or who might want to make changes by either switching to a new plan or updating their current one. Purpose: The webinar will highlight policy changes that may impact American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), including CMS outreach efforts and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which helps reduce health care costs, expand access to coverage, and ensure nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family health insurance through a Marketplace can receive a tax credit to reduce their premiums. We will also discuss Tribal Sponsorship, where Tribes pay premiums to help Tribal members enroll in health insurance coverage through a Marketplace plan. Please join us to learn more about these recent changes and learn how you can help Tribal members get access to coverage. More information about the Marketplace Here is a copy of the Presentation Materials (PDF)
October 26	All Tribes Consultation Webinar on an Overview of Streamlining Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Background: The NPRM was developed in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (January 2021) and Executive Order on Continuing to Strengthen Americans’ Access to Affordable Quality Health Coverage (April 2022), which direct Federal agencies to reduce unnecessary barriers and identify opportunities to help more people enroll in quality health coverage. This NPRM would remove barriers and facilitate enrollment of new applicants, particularly those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; align enrollment and renewal requirements for most individuals in Medicaid; establish beneficiary protections related to returned mail; create timeliness requirements for redeterminations of eligibility in Medicaid and CHIP; make transitions between programs easier; eliminate access barriers for children enrolled in CHIP; and modernize recordkeeping requirements to ensure proper documentation of eligibility and enrollment. Purpose: The purpose of the All Tribes’ Consultation Webinar is for CMS subject matter experts to provide an overview of proposed changes to simplify the processes for eligible individuals to enroll and retain eligibility in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program. Participants can ask questions and make comments, however, for comments to be considered, written comments must be received, either electronically or by mail, no later than 5 p.m. on November 7, 2022, following instructions for comment submission as outlined in the federal register notice. In commenting, please refer to file code CMS-2421-P. View the webinar slideshow (PDF) (PDF)
October 13	All Tribes Consultation Webinar: Measuring Health Disparities in Medicaid and CHIP Background: Medicaid and CHIP provide essential health care coverage for over 80 million individuals and families, and is the primary source of health care coverage for over one in three people of color. Medicaid also covers 42 percent of all births in the nation. Two-thirds of these births are to Black, Hispanic, or American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women. In addition to providing coverage of physical health care, Medicaid is the largest payer for long-term services and supports, including home and community-based services, which allow individuals with a range of disabilities and needs to thrive and live independently at home or in their communities. Medicaid is also the largest payer for public mental health services, including for individuals with serious mental illnesses, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. Significant disparities have been identified within the Medicaid and CHIP population. For example, Black and AI/AN women are three to four times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related complications and more likely to have a preventable death. Compared to White beneficiaries, AI/AN and Asian American/Pacific Islander beneficiaries reported worse experiences when it came to getting needed care, getting care quickly, how well doctors communicate, and health plan information and customer service. CMS is proposing to more systematically measure disparities by stratifying a variety of measures already used within the Medicaid and CHIP programs so that we can identify where the gaps are and work together with states to work towards closing them. Purpose: The purpose of this All Tribes Consultation Webinar is to gather input from the Tribal community on CMS’ proposed approach and the measures CMS is proposing to include in its Equity Measure Slate. For more information about the Medicaid and CHIP measure sets, please visit: the Medicaid and CHIP Child Core Set the Medicaid Adult Core Set the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Set the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
September 1	Proposed Policy Changes for Medicare Payments under the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule and other Medicare Part B Issues Background: Since 1992, Medicare payments have been made under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for the services of physicians and other billing professionals. Physicians’ services paid under the PFS are furnished in a variety of settings, including physician offices, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, skilled nursing facilities and other post-acute care settings, hospices, outpatient dialysis facilities, clinical laboratories, and beneficiaries’ homes. Payments are also made to several types of suppliers for technical services, most often in settings for which no institutional payment is made. Purpose: The purpose of this All Tribes Webinar is to provide an overview of the proposed policy changes under this year’s PFS Proposed Rule. On July 7, CMS issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS, and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2023. The calendar year (CY) 2023 PFS is one of several proposed rules that reflect a broader administration-wide strategy to create a more equitable health care system that results in better accessibility, quality, affordability, and innovation. Comments on the CY 2023 PFS are due by September 6 and instructions for submitting comments are in the proposed rule. You can find the proposed rule online at CMS.gov. Visit CMS.gov to learn about the proposed rule and read the the PFS fact sheet. Additionally, you can find information on the shared savings program provisions on the CMS website.
June 9	All Tribes Webinar Listening Session on the CMS Quality Innovation Network - Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Quality Improvement and Innovation Models (DQIIMT) in collaboration with the CMS Division of Tribal Affairs is hosting a virtual listening session June 9, from 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern, to receive feedback from tribal leaders and tribal health directors on current Quality Improvement Network – Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) activities within CMS. Examples of QIN-QIO activities include programs that address patient safety, patient readmissions, infection prevention and control, hospital-associated conditions, and quality rating systems among others. These programs work to meet the goals of the CMS Strategic Plan. View the CMS Strategic Plan.
May 26	Tribes Webinar- Returning to Routine Operations after the Public Health Emergency as it Relates to Medicaid and CHIP Disaster Relief SPAs and 1135 Waivers The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Division of Program Operations is holding this All Tribes Webinar to discuss returning to routine operations after the Public Health Emergency (PHE), as it relates to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Disaster Relief SPAs and 1135 Waivers. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the planning and actions states will need to take as the PHE comes to an end. States must comply with regulatory and statutory requirements when transitioning back to normal operations. States will be reviewing flexibilities used during the PHE to determine which flexibilities will no longer be needed and which ones they may want to continue temporarily or on a permanent basis. This presentation will focus on actions the states will be taking to enact those decisions. To review the updated CMS guidance on planning for the resumption of normal state Medicaid, CHIP, and Basic Health Program (BHP) operations upon conclusion of the COVID-19 PHE, see the August 13, 2021 State Health Official Letter (SHO) #21-002 (PDF)
May 19	Tribal Listening Session on Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries CMS hosted a focus session to gather ideas on how we can improve Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services for Medicaid beneficiaries, with an emphasis on the experiences of Tribal communities with NEMT services. Under Section 209(b)(3) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division CC, Title II, CMS was directed to convene meetings to facilitate discussion and shared learning in this area. CMS is looking for your recommendations and challenges associated with NEMT, not non-emergency transportation as authorized through 1915(c) waivers. For more information on provisions added by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Division CC, Title II, Section 209, concerning Medicaid coverage of certain medical transportation, please see the CMCS Informational Bulletin (PDF)
April 28	The CMS COVID-19 Medicaid Unwinding - All Tribes Consultation Webinar The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Division of Enrollment Policy & Operations, is holding this All Tribes Consultation to share an overview of the guidance CMS has released that outlines the requirements and expectations for states to restore eligibility and enrollment operations for Medicaid beneficiaries. We will also discuss strategies to engage tribal stakeholders and ensure eligible individuals remain enrolled in coverage.
February 10	The CMS COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination - Interim Final Rule On November 18, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ), held an All Tribes Webinar on an interim final rule with comment period (IFC) that requires COVID-19 vaccination of applicable staff at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified health care facilities. CMS is holding this All Tribes Call Consultation to explain how your health facilities can utilize the CMS Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports (QCOR) website to search for CMS certification numbers (CCN) of facilities subject to the IFC. We will also answer tribal concerns and questions raised during the previous webinar held on November 18, 2021. All new questions for the upcoming webinar must be emailed in advance to the CMS Division of Tribal Affairs by close of business on February 2, 2022. View the webinar slideshow (PDF) (PDF) (1.2 MB, 22 pp) CCN List of Tribal Facilities (PDF) (PDF) – CMS worked with Indian Health Services (IHS) to create a comprehensive listing of IHS and Tribal facilities that are Medicare-certified or Medicare/Medicaid certified and have a CMS Certification Number (CCN). This listing is informational only. CCN List of UIO Facilities (PDF) (PDF) – CMS worked with Indian Health Services (IHS) to create a comprehensive listing of Urban Indian Organization (UIO) facilities that are Medicare-certified or Medicare/Medicaid certified and have a CMS Certification Number (CCN). This listing is informational only. Tribal Specific Fact Sheet (PDF) (PDF) – Tribal Affairs created this useful one pager as a quick guide to answer any basic questions about the COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule. Guidance for the Interim Final Rule – This website provides state specific guidance, including survey procedures for assessing and maintaining compliance with these regulatory requirements.

2021

Date	Description	Video
December 16	Health Insurance Marketplace for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and Tribal Sponsorship This presentation highlights policy changes that may impact AI/ANs, including CMS outreach efforts and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), which helps reduce health care costs, expand access to coverage, and ensure nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family health insurance through a Marketplace can receive a tax credit to reduce their premiums. ARP not only provides resources for America to beat this pandemic, but it also expands access to health insurance coverage, lowers costs, and ensures that health care is truly a right for all Americans. The webinar also includes presentations entitled “Enrollment of Tribal Citizens and Other Indian Health Services” and “Eligible Individuals in Health Insurance Coverage Through a Marketplace, Including Use of Tribal Sponsorship,” which provide information to tribal governments who might want to pay health insurance premiums for their members. View the webinar slideshow (PDF) (PDF) (482 KB, 24 pp)
November 18	COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule CCSQ staff provides an overview of about the CMS IFC (11/04/21) requiring COVID-19 vaccination of eligible staff at health care facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
October 21	Rural Emergency Hospitals as a New Medicare Provider Type A discussion about policymaking for the statutory requirements and policy considerations for REHs related to health and safety standards, payment, and quality measures and reporting.
September 28	Proposed Distribution of Additional Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residency Positions for IHS and Tribal Hospitals A discussion about the proposed distribution of additional residency positions created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
August 10	Recent Trends in Third-Party Billing at Urban Indian Organizations National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) will be presents information in its new report, titled "Recent Trends in Third-Party Billing at Urban Indian Organizations: A Focus on Medicaid, Telehealth, and Pandemic Response". The presentation identifies both barriers and best practices for successful third-party reimbursement at UIOs, with a focus on Medicaid utilization and telehealth billing and reimbursement before and during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). View the webinar slideshow (PDF) (PDF) (4.18 MB, 59 pp)
April 8	Marketplace Information to Help Tribal Communities This presentation highlights recent policy changes that may impact American Indian and Alaska Natives, including: The Special Enrollment Period, which runs from February 15 to August 15, 2021; CMS outreach efforts; and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP).
January 21	Uncompensated Payment Care Issues CMS staff discuss how the Affordable Care Act established a new Medicare disproportionate share hospital and uncompensated care payment by amending the historical Medicare DSH payment calculation.

2020

Date	Description	Video
September 18	Medicare Telehealth Proposed Rule – September 2020 CMS staff provides an overview of the Medicare telehealth proposals and provide an opportunity for questions and comments from tribal communities about the importance of telehealth services during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and the need for continued telehealth payment flexibilities after the PHE expires.
June 11	ITU webinar: Outreach and Education/NIHB This webinar outlines CMS tribal outreach and education resources as well as strategies to increase American Indian and Alaska Native enrollment in CMS programs.
June 10	Uncompensated Care (UCC) Proposed Rule – June 2020 CMS staff provides an overview of the Uncompensated Care proposed rule and provide an opportunity for questions and comments from tribal communities.
May 28	ITU webinar: Social Security and Disability Benefits This webinar provides an overview of the Social Security program and disability benefits. Presenter, Kirk Larson from SSA Seattle office, answers questions about SSD benefits.
May 14	ITU webinar: Medicaid 101 This webinar provides an overview of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs. Topics will include administration, eligibility, covered services, and reimbursement for Indian health care providers. The presentation also includes information about specific provisions for American Indians and Alaska Natives, including the Medicaid protections from cost sharing, Medicaid estate recovery, managed care, and an overview of states' tribal consultation requirements.
April 30	ITU webinar: Medicare 101 This webinar explains Medicare administration, eligibility, covered services, and reimbursement for ITU staff and beneficiaries with a focus on specific provisions for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
April 16	ITU webinar: Meet Your Native American Contact This webinar outlines the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reorganization and new roles and responsibilities of the CMS Native American Contacts (NACs). CMS NACs provide technical assistance to Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian health programs (ITUs) with CMS programs and benefits. In this webinar, NACs introduce themselves as regional contacts for CMS questions.
January 16	Uncompensated Care Costs – January 2020 IHS and Tribal Indian Health Care providers discuss the uncompensated care costs they incur and barriers to reporting uncompensated care costs on the Medicare hospital cost report’s Worksheet S-10 (Hospital Uncompensated and Indigent Care Data). For further information on Medicare Part D, visit Medicare.gov.

2019

Date	Description	Media
November 13	Medicare Part D: Open Enrollment October 15 – December 7 Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare through Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan approved by Medicare that offers Medicare drug coverage. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered. You may be able to find a plan that meets your needs with little to no monthly premiums. CMS and IHS subject matter experts provide an overview of Medicare Part D and highlight updates and changes for this year's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). The presenters will focus on what Medicare Part D plans cover, how the plans work with Indian health facilities, and how to sign up. For further information on Medicare Part D, visit Medicare.gov.
September 5	Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization Application – September 2019 CDOs are a vital component of the assister community. In the Federally facilitated Marketplace, CDOs oversee certified application counselors (CACs) who are trained and able to help consumers seeking health coverage options through the Marketplace.

2018

Date	Description	Media
November 6	CMS All Tribes Call Tomorrow: Medicare Part D – Open Enrollment Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare through Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan approved by Medicare that offers Medicare drug coverage. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered. You may be able to find a plan that meets your needs with little to no monthly premiums. This webinar will provide an overview of Medicare Part D and highlight updates and changes for this year's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). CMS and IHS subject matter experts will focus on what Medicare Part D plans cover, how the plans work with Indian health facilities, and how to sign up. Many Indian health facilities participate in the Medicare prescription drug program. If you get prescription drugs through an Indian health facility, you'll continue to get drugs at no cost to you, and your coverage won't be interrupted. Joining a Medicare drug plan may help your Indian health facility because the drug plan pays the Indian health facility for the cost of your prescriptions. For further information on Medicare Part D, visit Medicare.gov.
February 1	Opportunities to Promote Work and Community Engagement Among Medicaid Beneficiaries State Medicaid Director Letter All Tribes' Call On January 11, 2018, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL) announcing a new policy designed to assist states in their efforts to improve Medicaid enrollee health outcomes through incentivizing work and community engagement among non-disabled, non-elderly adult Medicaid beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicaid on a basis other than disability. The SMDL indicates that CMS will support state efforts to test incentives that make participation in work or other community engagement a requirement for continued Medicaid eligibility or coverage for certain adult Medicaid beneficiaries in demonstration projects authorized under section 1115 of the Social Security Act (the Act). These demonstration applications are subject to the full federal review process, the public review process, and transparency requirements, including those described in regulations at 42 C.F.R. Part 431, subpart G.Intended Audience: Business Office, Patient Benefit Coordinators and Health Care Professionals responsible for time-intensive chronic care coordination and billing. CMS held an All Tribes' Call to provide an overview of the SMDL that outlines some options for states to consider in promoting work and community engagement requirements among Medicaid beneficiaries.

2017

Date	Description	Media
November 29	CY 2018 Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Model Expansion Final Rule On November 2, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2018 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, which finalizes policies to implement the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model. The MDPP Expanded Model allows Medicare beneficiaries to access evidence-based diabetes prevention services, with the goal of a lower rate of progression to type 2 diabetes, improved health, and reduced spending. On this All Tribes Call CMS staff provided an overview of the MDPP Expanded Model CY 2018 Final Rule and answers questions.
August 16	Tribal Medicare Chronic Care Management (CCM) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to host a webinar entitled Tribal Medicare Chronic Care Management (CCM) on Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Eastern Time. Intended Audience: Business Office, Patient Benefit Coordinators and Health Care Professionals responsible for time-intensive chronic care coordination and billing. This webinar will provide an overview of the CMS Chronic Care Management program and will discuss the updated program with additional billing codes and requirements. Many IHS, Tribal and Urban Indian programs provide chronic care management services and don't realize their program can receive Medicare Part B reimbursement. CMS recognizes chronic care management as one of the critical components of primary care that contributes to better health and care for individuals, and holds promise for reducing overall health care costs. In January, 2015, CMS adopted a new service code to allow Medicare Part B payment for chronic care management services provided to Medicare and dual eligible beneficiaries who have two or more serious chronic conditions. Medicare Part B eligible practitioners and suppliers can bill for at least 20 minutes of non-face-to-face clinical staff time directed by a physician or other qualified health professionals each month to coordinate care for beneficiaries who have two or more serious chronic conditions that are expected to last at least 12 months. In November, 2016, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule was revised to enable reimbursement for more complex and time-intensive chronic care coordination effective January, 2017.
August 9	Technical Assistance and Outreach on Medicaid Billing and Payment for Services Provided Outside the Four Walls by IHS/Tribal Employees and Non-IHS Providers On February 26, 2016, the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) issued a State Health Official (SHO) letter (PDF) to states and Tribes providing guidance to update our policy on when 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) would be available for services furnished to Medicaid-eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives through facilities operated by IHS or Tribes. On January 18, 2017, CMCS issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF) to address common questions related to provisions of the Tribal SHO letter relating to Medicaid billing and payments to non-IHS providers. The FAQs provided an explanation of the "four walls" limitation. Under CMS' interpretation of its regulations at 42 CFR 440.90 and the underlying statute, "clinic services" must be provided at the clinic – i.e., within the "four walls" of the facility – unless the beneficiary is homeless. Under this interpretation, services furnished outside of the "four walls," even services furnished by an off-site practitioner under a care coordination agreement consistent with the Tribal SHO, may not be billed at the outpatient facility all inclusive rate. Thus, services provided outside of the "four walls" of a clinic, by either Tribal employees or non-Tribal providers, would have to be billed at the Medicaid practitioner fee for service rate.. The FAQs offered a solution to minimize the impact on Tribal clinics by explaining that Tribal programs would have the option to enroll as a Medicaid FQHC and could be paid at an Alternate Payment Methodology (APM) rate, such as the IHS OMB Medicaid outpatient rate, for services provided by Tribal employees or non-Tribal providers outside of the "four walls." The purpose of this call is to provide technical assistance and a better understanding of the process for Tribes interested in enrolling as Medicaid FQHCs. CMCS staff will provide a basic overview of the policy and to answer specific questions CMCS has received regarding the January 2017 FAQs. If you have any questions regarding this call, please feel free to contact Kitty Marx, Director, Division of Tribal Affairs, IEAG, CMCS at kitty.marx@cms.hhs.gov.
August 3	CY 2018 Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Model Expansion Proposed Rule On July 13, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2018 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule that includes additional proposals to implement the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) expanded model starting in 2018. CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule until September 11, 2017 and will respond to comments in the proposed rule. The proposed rule can be downloaded from the Federal Register at https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2017-14883.pdf. The goal of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes in individuals with an indication of pre-diabetes. The clinical intervention consists of a minimum of 16 intensive "core" sessions of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved curriculum furnished over six months in a group-based, classroom-style setting that provides practical training in long-term dietary change, increased physical activity, and behavior change strategies for weight control. After completing the core sessions, less intensive follow-up meetings furnished monthly will help ensure that the participants maintain healthy behaviors. The primary goal of the expanded model is at least 5 percent weight loss by participants. For more information, visit the MDPP webpage: https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program. The purpose of this All Tribes' Call is for CMS staff to provide a brief overview of the MDPP Model Expansion CY 2018 Proposed Rule. Consistent with the CMS Tribal Consultation Policy, CMS holds All Tribes' Calls to provide an opportunity for Tribes to learn about proposed rules and ask questions. CMS looks forward to receiving Tribal feedback on this model expansion. However, please note that while we use this call to receive feedback, any comments regarding the current MDPP rule proposal must be submitted through the official comment process; submitted comments are reviewed and responded to as required by law. Some of the highlights of new MDPP proposed rule includes: Effective Dates of MDPP Services, Enrollment and Billing Privileges: The CY 2017 PFS established that MDPP services would be available on January 1, 2018. We propose to revise our policy to state that MDPP services would be available on April 1, 2018 in order to ensure that MDPP suppliers have sufficient time to enroll in Medicare after the effective date of the CY 2018 PFS final rule. Diabetes Diagnosis during the MDPP Services Period: In the CY 2017 PFS, we established eligibility criteria for beneficiaries to receive the set of MDPP services, which excluded individuals with previous diagnosis of diabetes (with the exception of gestational). In this rule, we propose that if a beneficiary develops diabetes during the MDPP services period, this diagnosis would not prevent the beneficiary from continuing to receive MDPP services. Ongoing Maintenance Sessions: We propose a two-year limit on ongoing maintenance sessions (assuming attendance and weight loss performance goals are met), making the total MDPP services period three years (consisting of one year of core and core maintenance sessions, followed by up to two years of ongoing maintenance sessions, depending on eligibility, as described below). We propose that MDPP beneficiaries must attend three sessions and maintain 5 percent weight loss at least once in the previous ongoing maintenance session interval to be eligible for additional intervals after the first. Payment Structure: We propose a performance-based payment structure, which ties payment to performance goals based on attendance and/or weight loss. Interim Preliminary Recognition: In this rule, we propose that an entity may be eligible to enroll in Medicare as an MDPP supplier if they have achieved CMS interim preliminary recognition, CDC preliminary recognition (if established), or CDC full recognition. Our intent with CMS interim preliminary recognition is to bridge the gap until any CDC preliminary recognition standards are established and to allow organizations who have met this standard to enroll in Medicare. Beneficiary Engagement Incentives: We propose that an MDPP supplier may choose to provide in-kind patient engagement incentives to a MDPP beneficiary to assist the supplier in furnishing high quality services and engaging in health behavior change programs that lead to improved beneficiary health and reductions in Medicare spending.
May 22	FY 2018 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Proposed Rule and Request for Information (CMS-1677-P) On April 14, 2017, CMS issued a proposed rule to update the 2018 Medicare payment and polices that determine when patients are admitted into hospitals. This rule contains special provisions related to Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal hospitals, such as a proposed low volume payment adjustment for Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments and Provider Based Status of IHS and tribal facilities. As part of this rule, CMS is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) to find ways to improve and simplify the health care delivery system by reducing the burden for clinicians, providers, and patients while increasing quality of care and decreasing costs. CMS is soliciting ideas for regulatory, sub-regulatory, policy and practice, and procedural changes to better accomplish these goals. In response to the RFI, please provide clear and concise proposals that include specific examples with data. The purpose of the All Tribes' Call is for Medicare experts to present a brief overview of the rule, review the fact sheet and uncompensated care payments, describe the provider based proposals explained in the rule and how the proposals relate to conditions of participation, and then open up the call for questions. CMS looks forward to feedback on the rule and RFI. Comments to both the proposed pule and RFI are due by June 13, 2017. Download the proposed rule CMS has developed a fact sheet that discusses the major provisions of the rule. More information about the rule

2016

Date	Description	Media
December 15	Tribal Consultation: Reimbursement Rate for Services Provided Outside of an IHS/Tribal Facility On February 26, 2016, CMS issued a State Health Official letter (SHO) expanding the circumstances under which services furnished to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Medicaid beneficiaries could be considered to be "received through" an Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribal facility. Under the updated policy, IHS/Tribal facilities may enter into written care coordination agreements with non-IHS/Tribal providers to furnish certain services for their patients who are AI/AN Medicaid beneficiaries. Those services provided per the care coordination agreements are eligible for federal matching funds at the enhanced federal matching rate (FMAP) of 100 percent. Under the SHO, either the Tribal facility or the non-IHS/Tribal practitioner may bill Medicaid for services furnished by the non-IHS/Tribal practitioner. If the non-IHS/Tribal provider were to bill the state Medicaid program directly, the provider would be reimbursed at the rate authorized under the Medicaid state plan applicable to the provider type and the service rendered, not at the facility rate that the IHS/Tribal facility would receive. If the Tribal facility were to bill for the service, the Tribal facility would have to separately identify services provided by non-IHS/Tribal providers under the care coordination agreement that can be claimed as services of the Tribal facility from those that cannot. Services that can properly be claimed as services of the IHS/Tribal facility ("IHS/Tribal facility services") are reimbursed at the facility rate authorized under the Medicaid state plan. Those services that do not qualify as "IHS/Tribal facility services" are reimbursed at the rate applicable under the Medicaid state plan to the provider type and service rendered. Whether services furnished by non-Tribal providers can be billed as facility services depends on whether the Tribal facility is enrolled in the state Medicaid program as a provider of "clinic services" or as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). If the Tribal facility is enrolled in the state Medicaid program as a provider of "clinic services" under 42 CFR 440.90, the Tribal facility may not bill for the services furnished by a non-Tribal provider or Tribal employee at the facility rate for services that are provided outside of the facility. This is referred to as the 'four walls' limitation. Instead, the Tribal provider would bill for the services at the rate applicable to the non-Tribal provider and the service. (As noted above, the Tribal provider has the option to allow the non-Tribal provider bill to bill directly for the service rather than bill on the provider's behalf). If the Tribal facility is enrolled in the state Medicaid program as an FQHC, the Tribal facility may properly claim payment for services furnished by the non-Tribal provider at the facility rate. We understand that states may not have been paying for services provided by Tribal clinics in accordance with the 'four walls' limitation. In reviewing possible solutions that will minimize the impact on Tribal clinics, we have determined that the FQHC benefit provides the most flexibility since there is no Federal requirement that FQHC services be provided within the 'four walls' of the facility. In addition, section 1905(l)(2)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act recognizes outpatient Tribal health programs as FQHCs. Pursuant to the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA) of 2000, FQHCs must be paid no less than a rate developed based on 1999/2000 cost trended forward by the MEI. However, BIPA also permits states to establish higher payment rates under an alternative payment methodology (APM). In light of the unique nature of Tribal Health programs, CMS could support payment of the outpatient IHS/AIR for FQHC services under an APM. To effectuate this change, Tribal Health programs should work with their Medicaid agencies to have their provider designation changed from clinic to FQHC. No other steps need be taken by the Tribal Health program. The state Medicaid agency will be required to submit a state plan amendment to designate payment for Tribal FQHC services at the IHS AIR as an APM. States will be given a grace period to consult with Tribes and to modify the state plan.
December 14	Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) expansion was announced in early 2016, when the Secretary of Health and Human Services determined that the Diabetes Prevention Program model test met the statutory criteria for expansion. The rule establishing the expansion was finalized in the Calendar Year 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule that was published in November 2016. The MDPP expanded model is a structured behavioral change intervention that aims to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with pre-diabetes. The MDPP expanded model is a CMS Innovation Center model test that has been expanded in duration and scope under section 1115A(c) of the Social Security Act and will be covered as an additional preventive service with no cost-sharing under Medicare. Beginning January 1, 2018, eligible beneficiaries will be able to access MDPP services in community and health care settings and provided by coaches who are trained community health workers or health professionals. The 2017 PFS rule finalizes aspects of the expansion that will enable organizations, including those new to Medicare, to prepare for enrollment into Medicare as MDPP suppliers. Finalized policies include the definition of the MDPP benefit, beneficiary eligibility criteria, and supplier eligibility and enrollment criteria. Future rulemaking will address policies related to payments, virtual providers, and other program integrity safeguards. The purpose of this All Tribes' Call is for CMS staff to provide a brief overview of the MDPP Model Expansion. We are interested in hearing more about the Special Diabetes Program for Indians and receive feedback about the MDPP Model Expansion. CMS looks forward to receiving tribal feedback on this model expansion. For more information, see this fact sheet about the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. You can also listen to a recorded Medicare Learning Network webinar. Copies of the slides are available now at that link and a recording of the November 30 webinar will be available soon.
November 9	Indian Health Care Addendum for Contracting with Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care Entities On April 25, 2016, CMS released a final rule on managed care in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This rule incorporated the Indian protections in Section 5006 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Indian-specific provisions in the final rule are located in the section, "Standards for Contracts Involving Indians, Indian Health Care Providers and Indian Managed Care Entities." In the final rule, CMS committed to developing sub- regulatory guidance through consultation on the use of Medicaid and CHIP Indian Managed Care (ITU Addendum). The ITU Addendum is intended to help facilitate contracts between Indian Health Care Providers (IHCPs) and managed care plans by identifying several specific provisions established in federal law that apply when contracting with IHCPs. Per an October 5, 2016, CMS All Tribes Call, CMS obtained tribal input and advice on an Informational Bulletin that the Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services (CMCS) is developing that highlights the Indian-specific provisions of the final rule. We indicated on that call that we would hold a separate call on the ITU Addendum. CMCS will then release the Informational Bulletin and ITU Addendum as a single guidance. The purpose of the All Tribes Call on the ITU Addendum is to provide an overview of the ITU Addendum and address any questions you may have. CMS looks forward to feedback on the ITU Addendum. Written comments can be submitted to tribalaffairs@cms.hhs.gov by close of business, November 16, 2016.
October 5	Indian Provisions in Medicaid Managed Care On April 25, 2016, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the publication of the final rule on managed care in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS engaged closely with Tribes during the rulemaking process, and received many comments from Tribes and Tribal organizations, including comments on mandatory enrollment of AI/ANs in managed care and use of an Indian health care addendum for contracting with managed care entities. Because of these comments, CMS has committed to developing additional sub-regulatory guidance on this rule through consultation.
May 19	Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act Of 2015 (MACRA) And The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Proposed Rule The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule on April 27th, 2016, MIPs & APMs in Medicare-Fee-for-Service - CMS-5517-P, that is intended to align and modernize how Medicare payments are tied to the cost and quality of patient care for hundreds of thousands of doctors and other clinicians.
April 27	Medicaid Managed Care Final Rule On April 25, 2016, CMS published a final rule on managed care in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which incorporates the Indian protections in section 5006 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). CMS engaged with Tribes throughout the rulemaking process to ensure that the final rule is consistent with the ARRA protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The final rule codifies the Indian managed care protections in section 5006 of ARRA, including those provisions that allow AI/ANs enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans to continue to receive services from an Indian health care provider and ensures Indian health care providers are reimbursed appropriately for services provided and addresses other tribal comments received.
March 8	Tribal State Health Official Letter on 100% FMAP for Service On February 26, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter to States and Tribes providing guidance to update our policy regarding the circumstances in which 100 percent federal funding would be available for services furnished to Medicaid-eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives through facilities operated by the Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribes. A copy of the letter can be found at: https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/sho022616.pdf.

2015

Date	Description	Media
September 16	100 percent FMAP for services provided In this consultation, tribes and CMS discuss the scope of services provided under 100 percent FMAP.
September 11	100 percent FMAP for services provided In this consultation, Alaska and South Dakota tribes and CMS discuss the scope of services provided under 100 percent FMAP.
August 19	Minimum Information Required for Referrals to Qualified Health Plans In this consultation, tribes and CMS discuss the minimum information that non-Indian health care providers must provide to Indian health care providers before qualified tribal members can receive special cost sharing protections under the Affordable Care Act.
July 29	Grand-fathered Tribal FQHCs On July 8, 2015, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to update payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other programs, effective on or after January 1, 2016. The rule is available at https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-16875.pdf. This All Tribes Call reviewed the proposed rule, including eligibility, certification and billing requirements, and transitioning to the new system for grandfathered tribal FQHCs. In response to concerns raised by tribes and the CMS Tribal Technical Advisory Group, CMS proposed that tribal facilities grandfathered in as Medicare provider-based entities on or before April 7, 2000, and have a change of status from IHS operated to tribally operated and no longer meet Medicare hospital conditions of participation, may seek to become certified as grandfathered tribal FQHCs. Under the authority in 1834(o) of the Affordable Care Act to "include adjustments…determined appropriate by the Secretary," CMS proposed that these grandfathered tribal FQHCs be paid the lesser of their charges or a grandfathered tribal FQHC PPS rate of $307, which equals the Medicare outpatient per visit payment rate paid to them as a provider-based department, as set annually by the IHS, rather than the FQHC PPS per visit base rate of $158.85, and that coinsurance would be 20 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or the grandfathered tribal FQHC PPS rate. These grandfathered tribal FQHCs would be required to meet all FQHC certification and payment requirements. This FQHC PPS adjustment for grandfathered tribal clinics would not apply to a currently certified tribal FQHC, a tribal clinic that was not provider-based as of April 7, 2000, or an IHS-operated clinic that is no longer provider-based to a tribally-operated hospital. This provision would also not apply in those instances where both the hospital and its provider-based clinic(s) are operated by the tribe.
June 25	Medicaid Managed Care Proposed Rules On May 26, 2015, CMS issued proposed rules on Medicaid Managed Care, CHIP Delivered in Managed Care, and Revisions related to Third Party Liability (CMS -2390-P) to modernize Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) managed care regulations. This proposed rule is the first major update to Medicaid and CHIP managed care regulations in more than a decade. The proposed rules are intended to update managed care regulations to reflect changes in health delivery systems and to align regulations with other statutes, such as section 5006 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Overall, this proposed rule supports the agency's mission of better care, smarter spending, and healthier people. On June 25th, the Division of Tribal Affairs hosted an All Tribes' Call to provide an overview of the proposed rules, including the tribal specific provisions, and to respond to comments and questions. CMS is seeking advice and input on those provisions of the proposed rule regarding the requirements of section 5006 of ARRA and comments on how to facilitate a coordinated approach to care for AI/ANs enrolled in managed care and who receive services from their Indian health care providers (IHCP), including services provided through a referral to a specialty provider. Also, we seek comment on the potential barriers to contracting with managed care plans and what technical assistance and resources should be made available to states, managed care plans, and IHCPs to facilitate these relationships. There were 100 participants on the call. The proposed rule is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection and can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov starting June 1. The deadline to submit comments is no later than 5 pm on July 27, 2015. We encourage you to submit written comments during the comment period as outlined in the Federal Register notice. Written comments that are submitted during the comment period will become part of the official rulemaking record.
June 9	Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) Exclusion and what this means for Indian Country On June 9, 2015, SAMSHA and CMS held an All Tribes' Call to learn information about how Medicaid reimbursement might be available for mental health services provided to persons in residential treatment centers. Under the Medicaid laws, Medicaid payment is not allowed for services provided in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) that have more than 16 beds. However, there are exceptions to this rule. The call focused on the IMD exclusion, the exceptions, and what this means for Indian Country. BACKGROUND: The Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) exclusion means that no Federal Medicaid funds are available for services provided either in or outside the facility for persons residing in IMDs. The IMD exclusion dates back to 1965 and is based on the States' responsibility to provide for and fund inpatient psychiatric services to its citizens. The IMD exclusion is limited to those entities that provide residential treatment to persons with mental illnesses or substance use disorders, and have more than sixteen beds. If the facility has less than 16 beds, the IMD exclusion does not apply and the facility can bill Medicaid for services provided to eligible Medicaid persons at any age. For these facilities, room and board is not a reimbursable service unless they are licensed as an inpatient hospital or a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). For IMD facilities that have more than 16 beds, there are two exceptions: Medicaid coverage is allowed if the facility provides services to patients under age 21 (up to age 20) and is qualified as a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric unit of a general hospital, or PRTF. Medicaid coverage is allowed if the facility is a hospital or nursing facility and provides services to patients age 65 and over A copy of the power point presentation can be downloaded here: IMD Exclusion & what this means for Indian Country (PDF) (PDF).