News
ANHB Hosts October 2025 CFO and Medicaid Task Force Meetings
On October 29 and 30, 2025, the Alaska Native Health Board held meetings with the Tribal Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and the Alaska Department of Health (DOH). During the Medicaid Task Force meeting with DOH, Tribal Health leadership and DOH discussed how to move forward meaningful progress on issues ranging across the Alaska Medicaid Program. DOH also provided updates on their work with the Rural Health Transformation Program application, Typhoon Halong response efforts, and Division of Public Assistance (DPA) system modernization.
During the meetings, ANHB took time to thank Tribal Health Organizations who are working countless hours to support communities impacted by ex-Typhoon Halong. Their work includes immediate relief operations, infrastructure assessments, coordinating the collection and distribution of essentials and providing support services for displaced community members in Anchorage and the affected region.
ANHB Supports Senate Hearing on Indian Self-Determination and Self-Governance
[Left to right: Mr. Kennis Bellmard, Mr. Ben Smith, The Honorable Chuck Hoskin Jr, Mr. Victor Joseph, Mr. Jay Spaan] (Official U.S. Senate photo by Ryan Donnell)
ANHB President/CEO Alberta Unok supported Tanana Tribal Council Executive Director Victor Joseph who testified on behalf of the Alaska area. Mr. Joseph explained, “As the committee rightfully focuses on the successes and potential opportunities associated with ISDEAA, the Alaska Tribal Health System serves as a powerful example of what is possible under self-governance, and we fully support the expansion of Tribal Self-Governance.”
This hearing allowed the Committee to better understand the factors that contribute to the success of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) at the Department of the Interior and the Indian Health Service and ways Congress can further improve service delivery through ISDEAA.
Thank you to Executive Director Victor Joseph, Tanana Tribal Council and President/CEO Alberta Unok, Alaska Native Health Board for your work to highlight the successes of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact and the Alaska Tribal Health System.
ANHB Hosts Historic Mega Meeting in Anchorage
The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) hosted the August Mega Meeting in Anchorage on August 5-6, 2025, with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Senator Dan Sullivan all in attendance. The Alaska Tribal Health Directors used this time to emphasize the importance of Tribal health self-governance and to elevate the most pressing issues that the Alaska Tribal health system is seeing. During the Mega Meeting, ANHB members also engaged in productive dialogue with the leadership of the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Alaska Department of Health, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
IHS Scholarship Program Seeks Feedback
The Indian Health Service (IHS) has requested assistance in identifying priority health professions for inclusion into categories eligible for the IHS Scholarship Program (SP) in academic year 2026-2027 and the IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) in fiscal year (FY) 2026. Annually, the IHS seeks feedback on a list of “Priority Categories” for inclusion in the IHS SP and the IHS LRP. For academic year 2026-2027, and FY 2026, the IHS SP and the IHS LRP, respectively, will be funding physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and optometrists. The IHS Areas are also being asked to provide their feedback on health professions funding priorities. To read the Dear Tribal Leader letter requesting this input, click here. For more information on the SP and LRP, click here. Input is due by September 5, 2025, to Mr. Jeremy Sheehan at Jeremy.Sheehan@ihs.gov.
Prior Authorization Reform Bill SB 133 Becomes Law
On July 15, 2025, Senate Bill 133 became law in Alaska. This bill speeds up the turnaround time for prior authorization requests by requiring insurance companies to respond to routine requests within 72 hours and expedited requests within 24 hours.
The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) commends the passage of this legislation. While prior authorization can be useful for reviewing the appropriateness of medical care, it can also cause significant delays in necessary, urgent patient treatment. Across the Alaska Tribal Health System, the current prior authorization process serves as an administrative challenge to Tribes’ and Tribal Health Organizations’ ability to provide needed health care services and medications in a timely and efficient manner. SB 133 represents a significant step in strengthening our state’s health care delivery system and the health of patients.
In addition to speeding up the prior authorization turnaround time, SB 133 provides long-term prior authorization for treatment of chronic conditions, prohibits restrictions on key therapies for advanced cancer, requires an exception process to step therapy, increases transparency and accountability, and prioritizes automation – all positive steps for improving access to timely, quality care in our state.
To learn more about the SB 133, read this article from the Alaska Beacon, which names us as well as the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Alaska State Medical Association as having supported the bill’s passage.
Tribal Environmental Resiliency Resources Act
On April 2, 2024, the Tribal Environmental Resiliency Resources Act (TERRA Act) was officially introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 7859 during a pro forma session. The bill was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee.
Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) commends the introduction of the Tribal Environmental Resiliency Resources Act (TERRA). The health and wellness of Tribal communities is intrinsically tied to the environment. As the statewide voice on Alaska Native health, ANHB acutely understands how climate change disproportionately affects Alaska Tribes, many of which are already facing the extreme scenario of relocating their communities. The TERRA Act fills essential gaps by providing a way to coordinate these complex community driven relocation projects, as well as other Tribal climate resiliency efforts at all levels, while centering Tribal self-determination. ANHB calls on Congress to prioritize these urgent concerns and pass the TERRA Act to support the environmental resiliency of all Alaska Native and American Indian people.
ANHB Releases White Paper on Ongoing Barriers to Access Water and Sanitation in Rural Alaska
ANHB’s Water and Sanitation Committee has released a White Paper, entitled “Ongoing Barriers to Access Water and Sanitation in Rural Alaska”, to highlight continued barriers to achieving access to water and sanitation systems in our unserved and underserved rural Alaska communities.
Executive Summary
Piped water prevents disease and unnecessary suffering, and saves money and lives. Health disparities in rural Alaska persist due to lack of piped water systems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $3.5 billion to the Indian Health Service (IHS) for sanitation facilities construction for Alaska Native and American Indians, but the projects in rural Alaska still require cost contributions for the costs to serve public facilities. The State of Alaska is in a position now to support these projects through its Village Safe Water (VSW) Program, yet several barriers exist for rural Alaska communities to access this funding. Operation and Maintenance Best Practices scores and Sustainability Plan requirements prevent communities from accessing VSW Program funds, which are required to match federal funds from USDA and EPA. The result of these barriers is that our rural Alaska, predominately Alaska Native communities will miss the opportunity to leverage VSW funds to fully serve communities. We should act now to take advantage of the opportunity the IIJA offers to provide lifesaving water and sanitation in rural Alaska.
You can read the full White Paper by following this link.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) met in Albuquerque. Tribal leaders met with federal officials to receive updates and share ways to collaborate to improve health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native people. The committee is pictured here with Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary. Alaska Native Health Board participated with Alaska Area Representatives. 
House Bill 265: Health Care Services by Telehealth Signed into Law
On July 13th, Governor Dunleavy signed House Bill (HB) 265 Health Care Services by Telehealth introduced by Rep. Spohnholz. As a result of the unity of the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS), and the strength in Tribal and stakeholder partnerships, this legislation was successfully passed. The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) celebrates the passage and signing of this historic legislation alongside the entire ATHS to bring more equitable access to health and behavioral health services for Alaska Native people across the state. The bill signing was attended by representatives of the ATHS both in-person and virtually via Zoom, including ANHB, Southcentral Foundation, Maniilaq Association, Norton Sound Health Corporation, and ANTHC. To read the full press release on the bill, you can visit the House Coalition webpage here.
Tribal partners with Rep. Spohnholz (center) at HB 265 bill signing. Left to right: Ted Madsen, Policy Analyst for Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs at Southcentral Foundation (SCF); Michelle Baker, Acting Vice President for Behavioral Health Services at SCF; Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, Leanndra Ross, Sr. Director for Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs at SCF, and Zoe Merculieff, Legislative and Policy Advisor at ANHB.
PRESS RELEASE: ALASKA LEGISLATURE HONORS ANDREW JIMMIE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2022
ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH BOARD
ALASKA LEGISLATURE HONORS ANDREW JIMMIE
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) congratulates ANHB Vice Chair and former Chairman, Andrew “Andy” Jimmie who was honored by the 32nd Alaska Legislature for his advocacy, time-honored service and contributions to the State of Alaska. A longstanding Tribal leader in Alaska, Andy has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare for all Alaska Native people.
Andy is a resident, Tribal citizen, and former chief of Minto, and is the Second Traditional Chief of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) region. Andy is the former Chair and current Vice Chair of the ANHB Board of Directors and serves on the ANHB Executive Committee and TCC Executive Health Board. Andy also represents TCC on the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Board of Directors, served as a Doyon Board Member, and a Minto Village Council Member.
For decades, Andy has advocated on behalf of all Alaska Native people and rural Alaskans, serving as the Chairman of the TCC Regional Health Board starting in 1991. He provided leadership in the adoption of Tribal Self-Determination in healthcare for Alaska, helping create the Alaska Tribal Health Compact and the development of Tribal healthcare programs and services which were previously operated by the United States Indian Health Service. During the 2000s, his impact and leadership continued by way of building waterline and sewer systems, improved roads, new clinics, and his contributions in creating the nationally recognized Dental Health Aid Therapy Program in Alaska. Andy’s hard work ethic and ability to unify people made way for these developments, including ANHB and ANTHC.
Andy continues to serve as a leader and advocate to expand substance abuse and mental health services, elder services, and water & sewer solutions for all communities in Alaska. His strong commitment to serving his people, resourcefulness, and compassion all serve as an example to his friends, family, and colleagues. At eighty-seven years old, Andy’s leadership and love for his family and Alaskans continues to create positive ripple effects within his community and state.
Founded in 1968, ANHB is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the spiritual, physical, mental, social and cultural well-being and pride of Alaska Native people. ANHB is the advocacy organization and voice of the Alaska Tribal Health System.
###
AWARD TEXT:
The members of the Thirty-Second Alaska State Legislature are pleased to recognize and honor the service and contributions of Andrew “Andy” Jimmie to the State of Alaska.
A resident, Tribal citizen, and former chief of Minto, Mr. Andy Jimmie has been a longstanding leader in Alaska. Andy serves on the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Executive Health Board. He has been the Chair and is the current Vice Chair of the Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) Board of Directors. Andy also represents TCC on the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Board of Directors; he served as Doyon Board Member and a Minto Village Council Member. In 2002, the Alaska Federation of (AFN) presented Andy with the AFN Health Award. In 2016, Andy received the Legacy and Leadership Award from the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation. In his early years he served in the U.S. Army, before working as a laborer and retiring from the Laborers’ Union.
In honor and memory of his mother, Andy worked from an early age to improve healthcare for Alaska Native people. In the 1990s, Andy provided leadership in the adoption of Tribal self-determination in healthcare in Alaska, helping create the Alaska Tribal Health Compact. He supported the development of Tribal healthcare programs and services which were previously operated by the US Indian Health Service. In his region, Andy began serving as the Chairman of the TCC Regional Health Board in 1991. During the 2000s, his impact and leadership continued by way of building waterline and sewer systems, improved roads, a new hall and new clinics. He was a great proponent and contributor to creating the Dental Health Aid Therapy Program in Alaska, now a nationally recognized program. Andy’s hard work ethic and ability to unify people made way for these developments, including ANHB and ANTHC.
Always humble, Andy has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Alaskans, advocating on behalf of Alaska Native and rural Alaskans at the local state, and federal level. He continues to serve as a leader and advocate to expand substance use and mental health services, elder services, and water & sewer solutions for all villages in Alaska through the COVID-19 pandemic. His strong commitment to serving his people, resourcefulness, and compassion all serve as an example to his friends, family, and colleagues. At eighty-seven years old, Andy’s leadership and love for his family and Alaskans continues to create positive ripple effects within his community and state.
Andy and his wife of over sixty years, Barbara, have four adult children: Laverne, Dede, Loretta, and Douglas, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are what he considers gifts from heaven. Andy carries his strong family values and heritage everywhere he goes. He spent a lot of time around his mother and grandparents, Suzy Williams and Grandpa “Chief”. In the winter and spring camps of Minto, Andy learned to hunt and fish. During this time, his family instilled in him life lessons like, “treat people how you want to be treated,” “always lend a helping hand to your Elders,” and “nothing comes easy, you need to work hard.” These valuable teachings reflect Andy’s unwavering life of love, service, and contribution to his people.
The members of the Thirty-Second Alaska State Legislature honor the many contributions of Andrew “Andy” Jimmie to Alaska, and wish him many happy, healthy, and fulfilling years to come.
