In coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) is initiating a Tribal Consultation to seek input and recommendations on the FY 2024 President’s Budget proposal to shift funding for the HHS Indian Health Service (IHS) from discretionary to mandatory beginning in FY 2025. In particular, OMB is interested in Tribal views on the proposed mandatory funding formula for IHS. Under the proposed mandatory structure, IHS funding would grow automatically to address inflationary factors, key operational needs, and existing backlogs in both healthcare services and facilities. More information on the proposal can be found in the attachment (Appendix A).

This consultation will be held virtually on June 2, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM ET. Please note that feedback on the FY 2024 Budget proposal will help guide the formulation of the President’s FY 2025 Budget. OMB intends to hold a separate Tribal consultation later this year specifically to inform the FY 2025 Budget formulation process.

To help facilitate input and recommendations, OMB would welcome your input on the following discussion points, in addition to any other feedback:

1. Input on how mandatory funding for IHS should grow in the outyears, including specific feedback on the different components of the proposed mandatory formula.

2. Specific feedback on the highest priority programs and activities recommended for investment in the FY 2024 budget, including associated funding levels.

3. Specific suggestions on how the Administration can build support for enactment of this proposal.

Please register as soon as possible here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsceyqqzIuGT9LZmARnvsD6RLiTFyr20Q

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email and a unique participant link. If registration is not possible, or if you have trouble registering, please email [email protected]. You may also submit written comments. If you would like to submit written comments and recommendations on the mandatory funding approaches, please submit comments by Friday, June 30, 2023. You can submit written comments via email at [email protected].

The National Indian Health Board will host a Tribal Caucus in advance of the consultation. Stay tuned for more updates and scheduling information.

If you have any questions or would like any assistance with this consultation please contact Tyler Scribner, Budget and Appropriations Counsel at the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) at [email protected].

Read the full letter from the OMB here.