SAMPLE LETTER TO SEND TO ADMINISTRATION AND …



SAMPLE LETTER TO SEND TO ADMINISTRATION AND FEDERAL AGENCIES SUCH AS CMS, IRS REGARDING THE NEED FOR A SINGLE DEFINITION OF INDIAN IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

DATE

ADDRESS

DEAR FEDERAL OFFICIAL

On behalf of the [TRIBE/TRIBAL ORGANIZATION], I am writing today regarding our support of the position paper produced by the Tribal Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the definition of “Indian” under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Last fall, the TTAG drafted and forwarded a position paper entitled “The Definition of Indian” to the Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (which is now known as the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight) within the Department of Health and Human Services. In the TTAG paper, the recommendation was made that the definition of Indian adopted by the CMS (found at 42 C.F.R. Section 447.50) and consistent with the Indian Health Services (IHS) regulations on eligibility for IHS services should be adopted uniformly in implementing the ACA, including for the Exchange Plans, Medicaid Expansion, and the specific American Indian/Alaska Native provisions.

The ACA’s goal of a simple, integrated form for Medicaid and Exchange plan eligibility is best served by adopting the definition of “Indian” used by the CMS in its implementation of Medicaid cost sharing protections enacted in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. See, 42 C.F.R. 447.50. Doing so will avoid administrative confusion for I/T/U programs and state Medicaid plans.

The ACA presents great opportunities and challenges for Indian Country. Only by working closely together can we assure that this law will bring improvements in access to health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Thank you for considering these matters. If your staff has any questions, please contact [staff contact]

Sincerely,

Tribal or Organization Letter

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