Covering Indian Country – February 2023

February 2023

Spotlight: Podcasts on third-party coverage

Native people who are enrolled in third-party coverage are more likely to receive health care services.

That’s why the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) has partnered with Indian Country Media and CMS to produce Hope + Healing, a six-episode podcast series.

Launched this past December, the series explains how Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, and the Marketplace enable tribes to enhance the services offered to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The podcasts feature interviews with leaders from Indian Country and tribal health experts.

Outreach and education are key to helping people understand how third-party coverage
benefits tribal communities and the Indian health care system.

As you continue educating people about the importance of third-party coverage, please encourage tribal leaders and other community members to check out the Hope + Healing podcast series.

Also, download and share Health Coverage Options for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PDF, 195 KB, 10 pp). This updated technical assistance document offers enrollment assisters the guidance they need to help AI/ANs better understand coverage options available through the Marketplace, Medicaid, and CHIP.

February: Children’s dental health

Share this ad in your newsletter or on your website. For more information, please visit CMS’s Outreach and Education Resources page.

Health observances

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Tooth decay can be painful and affect kids’ ability to concentrate and learn. That’s why an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on dental disease recommends that every child see a dentist by age 1.

During National Children’s Dental Health Month, help prevent tooth decay in your community by reminding families that dental care coverage is an essential health benefit for children.

Also, let people know that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid cover dental services, such as check-ups, x-rays, and fluoride treatments.

Additionally, share the link for the dentist locator on InsureKidsNow.gov, which can be used to find a dentist who sees children and accepts CHIP and Medicaid.

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, an ideal time to highlight the connection between blood pressure and heart health. High blood pressure increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. For that reason, blood pressure should be checked at least once each year. In observance of American Heart Month, please remind people in your community to get their blood pressure checked. Also, let them know that blood pressure screening is covered as a preventive health service. Additionally, share the link to My First Blood Pressure Visit (PDF, 105 KB, 1 p), which lists questions and concerns for patients to bring up with their health care team.

Additional resources

NIHB/CDC survey to assess public health capacity

February 17 is the deadline for tribal health directors and administrators to complete the second Public Health Indian Country Capacity Scan Survey (PHICCS II).

All survey respondents will be entered into a raffle to win one of twenty $200 Visa gift cards.

National Indian Health Board (NIHB) conducts the survey in partnership with the CDC every three years to assess tribal organizations’ capacity to deliver public health services. Findings from the previous PHICCS (PDF, 41 MB, 96 pp) were published in 2020.

Hear Her campaign

The CDC reports that American Indian and Alaska Native women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as White women. To address that disparity, the Hear Her campaign offers culturally tailored resources, such as: Posters and conversation guides Sample social media posts Videos of personal stories about pregnancy-related complications These resources encourage partners, friends, family members, coworkers, and health care professionals to listen and act quickly when a pregnant or postpartum person says something does not feel right.

Funding opportunities

IHS Tribal Management Grant Program

Deadline: March 6
View the IHS Tribal Management Grant Program funding opportunity

Indian Health Service (IHS) funds are available for projects to develop and enhance health management infrastructure. Tribes and tribal organizations may submit applications for one of the following project types:

• Feasibility study
• Planning
• Evaluation study
• Health management structure

Approximately 14–16 awards of up to $150,000 each will be issued.

SAMHSA drug court grants

Deadline: March 6
View the SAMHSA drug court funding opportunity

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funds are available to expand substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services in existing drug courts.

Approximately 81 grants will be awarded for projects lasting up to five years. Tribes and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply.

SAMHSA grants to enhance access to MOUD

Deadline: March 7
View the SAMHSA MOUD funding opportunity

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is offering funds to enhance access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

SAMHSA expects to award 24 grants for a performance period of five years or less. Tribes and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply.

RCORP-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Deadline: March 8
View the RCORP-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome funding opportunity

Tribes and tribal organizations may apply for fiscal year 2023 Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome grants.

The grants will support work to increase access to services addressing substance use disorders and other behavioral health challenges that affect pregnant and postpartum persons and their families.

Approximately 40 awards will be issued for a three-year performance period.

Social and Economic Development Strategies Program

Deadline: March 31
View the SEDS funding opportunity

The Administration for Children and Families is offering Social and Economic Development Strategies Program (SEDS) grants for projects designed to:

• Grow local economies
• Strengthen Native families
• Address challenges stemming from a lack of infrastructure and community-based businesses

Award recipients will be required to match at least 20% of their project’s total approved cost with cash or in-kind contributions. Approximately 30 grants will be issued. Tribes and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply.

Calendar of events