Reprising a $1 billion infusion to tribal entities last fall, the federal government is allowing tribes to issue another $1 billion in low-interest bonds that can be used for a wide range of projects, including health care centers.

According to the New Mexico Business Weekly, "The pueblos of Acoma and Ohkay Owingeh have been awarded bond allocations totaling about $29 million under the federal stimulus act." Acoma is using the new funds to build a wind farm. Ohkay Owingeh will use some $22.9 million for "refinancing, as well as recreational, government and commercial facilities."

Other tribes or pueblos helped by the program include Isleta, Santa Clara and the Navajo Nation.

Our Tribal Services team can help with a wide range of issues relating to financing. We've helped many clients approach these questions with creativity and insight. If you have questions, please contact us today.

Despite calling for an almost government-wide freeze on discretionary spending, President Obama has asked for a $4.4 billion increase for the Indian Health Service in Fiscal Year 2011, according to the National Indian Health Board.

According to the board's February 4th Washington Report, highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Clinical Services request of $3.2 billion, an 8% increase

• Contract Health Services request of $862 million, a 10% increase

• Contract Health Support Costs request of $444 million, a 10% increase

• Facilities Construction request of $445 million, a 11% increase

Tribal Services are one of REDW's fortes. We know the unique issues and opportunities tribes faced. If you need assistance in planning for potential budget increases in your tribal organization, please contact us today.

The Jan. 20 election of Republican Scott Brown to the Senate seat of the late Ted Kennedy has clouded the future of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, according to Indian Country Today.

Brown ran in part on opposition to current national health care reform proposals, and his election deprived Democrats of what had been a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

The legislation was to be attached to the larger reform effort. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Chairman Byron Dorgan, D-N.D, has introduced the legislation as a standalone package, but that would mean an uncertain path through the House.

The 21st Navajo Nation Council recently came out in support of reauthorization of the act, which must be reapproved every 10 years. Several Navajo-specific items are included in the legislation, including a uranium study and a Medicaid feasibility study.

According to the National Indian Health Board, "The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) is the key legal authority for the provision of health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The IHCIA was originally enacted in 1976 to address the deplorable health conditions in Indian Country. ... Along with the Snyder Act of 1921, the IHCIA forms the statutory basis for the delivery of health care to AI/ANs, by the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services."

REDW offers expertise in both Tribal Services and Healthcare Services. If you have questions on how your organization may be affected by the pending legislation, please contact us today.

A recent letter from the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, and the National Council of Urban Indian Health notes that the health reform bill making its way to the President's desk has far reaching implications for Indian Country's health care system:

From the beginning of the health care reform process, tribal leaders have identified fundamental, key components that must be in place in any health reform legislation. Without them, the Indian health system would be severely damaged, and the rights of Indian people and our sovereign governments would be jeopardized. These key provisions include:

1. Exemption of American Indians and Alaska Natives from Individual Penalties and Cost Sharing

2. Indian Health Provider Protections

3. Exclusion of Health Benefits as Income

4. Indian Health Care Improvement Act Reauthorization

While all of these provisions have been secured – to some degree – in both the House and Senate passed bills, there are significant differences in the language.

The potential impact of the health reform legislation to the Indian Country health care delivery system has not gotten a lot of attention in the mainstream media; however, it will likely have significant ramifications. To better understand what these changes may mean for you as an Indian Country healthcare provider, please contact REDW's healthcare or tribal services teams.

Federal stimulus money is making it's way to six Native American communities in New Mexico:

Six Native American communities in New Mexico will share in nearly $5 million in federal stimulus money that will provide funding for water improvements, the state's two U.S. senators said in a news release Wednesday.

The money is being distributed through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indian Health Service, according to the news release from Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall.

The news release said the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the pueblos of Picuris, Laguna, Acoma, Zia and Nambe will receive the funding.

That's welcomed news. However, as we've pointed out before, without careful planning the tribes’ general fund may foot the bill for the increased administrative costs associated with these federal initiatives. REDW's tribal services experts can help you identify the full administrative cost burden of the new stimulus package programs, and work with your team to ensure maximum recovery of these costs through indirect cost and contract support negotiations with the federal government.