IHS Director Praises Health Insurance Reform Law

In a statement issued today, Indian Health Service Director Yvette Roubideaux praised the recent passage of the health insurance reform legislation, which included the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

“This law will improve the quality of health care and make it more accessible and affordable for the American people, including American Indians and Alaska Natives,” she said.

Her statement highlighted several provisions that will benefit Native American people specifically:

• Health insurance reform creates a state-based health exchange through which individuals and small businesses can purchase health insurance coverage. This will create more affordable insurance options and allow comparison of plans.

• American Indians and Alaska Natives who purchase health insurance through the exchange do not have to pay co-pays or other cost-sharing if their income is under 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

• The value of health services/benefits from IHS-funded health programs or Tribes will be excluded from an individual’s gross income so it cannot be taxed.

• Health insurance reform also expands Medicaid coverage to individuals with incomes up to 133% of poverty level.

• For individuals who have Medicare Part D coverage (medication costs), I/T/U spending will count toward the coverage gap (donut hole).

UA Awards Certificates in Public Health to Nine Navajo CHRs

The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Diné College, a Navajo tribal college, have awarded the first Certificates in Public Health to nine Native American students, according to a press release issued by UA.

The students, who received the certificates at a commencement ceremony at Diné College on May 7, are all Community Health Representatives (CHRs) for the Navajo Nation.

Navajo Tribal CHRs live and work in Navajo communities, providing the tribe’s citizens with hands-on care and information on current medical topics and staying healthy. They are full-time, paid employees of the Navajo Nation government.

The Navajo Nation has 110 chapters, and each chapter has at least one CHR. The entire Navajo CHR/Outreach program currently has about 160 employees. Navajo CHRs are required, in accordance with the tribe’s federal contract, to complete the certification.

The joint certification program launched in 2006, but this is the first year that the certificates were jointly awarded by UA Zuckerman College of Public Health and Diné College. The 12-credit program is tailored to the Navajo Nation’s public health needs and concerns.