Covering Indian Country – July 2024

July 2024

Spotlight: Roadmap to Better Care

People who understand how to use their health care coverage are more likely to access the health services they need to stay well.

That’s why CMS is committed to providing culturally relevant resources that enrollment assisters can use to help American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) navigate their coverage.

Recently, the Office of Minority Health and Division of Tribal Affairs released the newly updated Roadmap to Better Care: Tribal Version (PDF, 3.3 MB, 27 pp).

People who understand how to use their health care coverage are more likely to access the health services they need to stay well.

Available on the Coverage to Care (C2C) website, the booklet includes:

• A new introduction, which explains the unique health protections in place for AI/ANs
• An updated glossary of terms
• Important links and contact information
• Updated imagery to enhance connection and inclusivity

CMS encourages enrollment assisters to print out the booklet and have a copy on hand when they are helping someone apply for benefits.

Additionally, CMS recommends walking insurance applicants through all of the information typically listed on an insurance card (shown on page 17 of the booklet), so people understand what to expect.

July: Mental health awareness

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

Health observances

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Share the links to previously recorded webinars in the Elevate Community-Based Organizations series, hosted by the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health.

The webinar series helps behavioral health organization staff better understand how to use data, stories, and visuals to highlight the impact of their work when communicating with funders, community members, and other partners.

Also, encourage people in your community to visit the CMS Division of Tribal Affairs behavioral health website for help locating a service provider and preparing for appointments.

Additional resources

Campaign to help prevent three STIs

Taking doxycycline 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex can help prevent three common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Recently, the Paths (Re)Membered Project launched a national campaign encouraging Native people to ask their health care providers about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP).

The campaign offers downloadable resources, such as:

• A booklet about DoxyPEP
• Stickers
• A social media toolkit

Report by the Commission on Native Children

The official report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children is now available online.

Titled The Way Forward (PDF, 52.1 MB, 258 pp), the report offers 29 recommendations to improve the overall system of programs, grants, and supports available to help Native children thrive. Some of those recommendations include:

• Expanding access to the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
• Providing comprehensive prenatal health education and related services to Native mothers and families
• Improving Native student access to education and services that address connections between trauma exposure, suicide, and substance misuse
• Funding Native sexual health organizations and sexual health programs

The report also features case studies that showcase successful efforts to promote wellness and resilience.

Funding opportunities

Indian Housing Block Grant program

Deadline: August 29
View the Indian housing funding opportunity

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Indian Housing Block Grant program helps eligible tribes and tribally designated housing entities develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments.

HUD expects to award 25 grants for a performance period of 5 years or less. Tribes and tribal organizations are encouraged to apply.

Calendar of events