Policy & Advocacy

ANHB monitors health policy issues at the federal and state levels that affect American Indian/Alaska Native people. ANHB takes action by providing comments and testimony to governing bodies, writing letters, participating in agency meetings, and developing collaborative relationships with organizations interested in American Indian/Alaska Native health care. Undertaking state and federal advocacy efforts remains one of the most important roles of ANHB. In this process, ANHB works with state and federal agencies, elected officials and industry partners to advocate for the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Utilizing a unified voice, ANHB provides advocacy in a variety of ways.

• Invites Legislatures, Congressional Delegation, tribal health leaders, and key staff to the ANHB meetings and Alaska visits.
• Schedules hill visits in the State Capital – Juneau, Alaska and the National Capital – Washington, D.C.
• Creates collaborative relationships with Legislatures, Congressional Delegation, tribal health leaders, and key staff so that when a health care issues comes before them, they know to contact ANHB.
• Works with the ANHB Legislative Committee to advance the ANHB state and federal priorities.

Legislative Priorities

State Priorities

• Medicaid Expansion/Reform
• Behavioral Health
• Health Professional Housing
• CHA, BHA, and DHA Education and Training
• Long Term Care/Elder Care
• Tobacco Cessation and Prevention
• Village Safe Water Funding

Federal Priorities

• Joint Venture Projects
• Village Built Clinic Lease Program
• Exemption from Sequestration (IHS/Tribal)
• Medicare-like Rates
• IHS Advance Appropriations
• Contract Support Costs
• Definition of “Indian” in the Affordable Care Act
• Behavioral Health
• Title VI Implementation
• Long Term Care/Elder Care
• Special Diabetes Programs for Indians