Alaska Tribal Health Compact Final Negotiations

Last week, ANHB along with the Alaska Tribal Health Compact (ATHC) cosigners participated in final negotiations with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Many discussion topics were covered, including IHS’s Health IT Modernization Program, nationalization of the CHAP Program and how changes in the new mandatory funding for IHS in the Presidential budget for FY 23 would affect the Alaska Tribal health system. Co-Signers strongly advocated for accurate representation of the unique characteristics of ATHS in providing fair funding to Alaska Native people. Although final negotiations end this week, there will be continued conversations between IHS and the Co-Signers on Village Built Clinics and 105(l) leases, as well as IHS visits to rural villages.