Native American Subcommittee of the MAC comments

The following is a description of the Native American Subcommittee of the MAC by Mr Greg Ortiz:

 

 

Following is a brief report of the "Native American Subcommittee of the MAC" which was held at the

Los Griegos Center, 1231 Candelaria Road NW, Albuquerque,NM, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Committee members present at this meeting: Julie Weinberg (Director, HSD-Medical Asstnc.Div), Dave Antle,

Adm.Richie Grinnell (Regional Director Albuquerque Area IHS), Floyd Thompson (Navajo Area IHS), Suzie (Behavioral Health Dir.-Eastern Navajo IHS),

Theresa Belanger (Tribal Liaison HSD-Medical Asstnc.Div).

Agenda:

1.) Introductions: Ms.Weinberg opened and facilitated the meeting. Self-introductions of committee members and audience.

2.) Organizational items:

a.) Define subcommittee's mission: Ms.Weinberg inquired from the members about 'who and how' does this committee communicate with Pueblos, Tribes and Nations? What are the best methods of communication? 'How' does this committee want to organize themselves?

*Ms.Weinberg stated that this is a "new" committee (sub-committee of a sub-committee) and this is her first time creating such an organization/committee which is a second attempt to engage the indigenous Pueblos, Tribes and Nations in more appropriate, proper "Tribal Consultation" per Native American recommendations.

-There was mention of a "Native American Advisory Council" which is a committee to directly engage with the MCO's and a Native American person is a member of this committee(?). Identity of the person was not revealed.

-There may still be some confusion about roles and membership of the: Native American Subcommittee of the MAC, Native American Advisory Council and

this "new" Committee. She will take the input of this "new" committee as her guidance.

*Ms.Weinberg comments and recommendations: use of the RAM meetings for training, i.e. IHS, others(?);

waive any cost-sharing for Native Americans (Sec. 115 says cost-sharing would not apply to Native Americans);

"Presumptive Eligibility" allows temporary eligibility (60 days) for services to persons presenting themselves as Native American.

-This is in answer to Adm.Grinnell's question about "how" they (State) will determine 'who' is an Indian and thus eligible for services.

She also hopes the MCO's will rely on local Native American workers, organizations, etc. to aid in the distribution of services and/or health care On-Rez/Off-Rez.

*Ms.Weinberg wants a smooth transition into Centennial Care and calendar year 2013 will be the ramp-up to the January 1st 2014 target date of implementation.

Other dates given: November 20(?), 2012 = Proposals Due; January 7, 2013 = Contracts Awarded

*Ms.Weinberg advises members (audience?) to read the RFP on-line at either:

HSD website: http://www.hsd.state.nm.us or MAD website: http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/mad

b.) Other organizational items as suggested by Committee:

Floyd Thompson: recommends the Contractors be a part of this discussion so they will be made aware of what is required for outreach to rural communities, i.e. language, cultural competence, transportation.

Adm.Richie Grinnell: re-emphasizes the necessity of knowing and having specifics and the Contractors present as part of the meeting (committee?) without which this committee is greatly hampered. He also questions 'how' the State will determine 'who' is an Indian.

Suzie: notes the importance of having the Contractors make actual visits to the Native communities served so they will know first-hand the challenges providers may encounter as well as the challenges of the patients in their given community locations.

3.) Identify Readiness Year Issues and Concerns the Subcommittee will work on.

4.) Other topics

5.) Next Meeting(s), Frequency and Locations: December 2012 = Date/Time/Location to be determined.

6.) Public Input:

Mr.Eric Lujan: comments to Ms.Weinberg that he has repeatedly informed her how to communicate and engage tribal leaders and organizations and what defines bonafide "Tribal Consultation" and that this meeting should not be considered or recorded as "Tribal Consultation".

Summary: There was a noticeable absence of genuine recognized tribal leaders: Pueblo Governors, Presidents, Chairmen or Tribal Councilmen who appropriately should be at the table. *Ms.Weinberg said she sent letters to AIPC, So.Gov.s, 8NIPC, Apache, Navajo and others(?). I do not know if the letter was an invitation to participate as a member of this committee or as an attendee to the meeting. After the meeting I spoke with some committee members and the consensus is that this seems to be another attempt to place 'Tribal Consultation" on the record, which in my opinion, it is not.

Lastly, as of this note, I am not aware if Ms.Weinberg has made actual visits or had face-to-face discussion with tribal leaders On-Reservation/Off-Reservation

 

 

I would like to thank Mr Ortiz from Acoma for Sharing these comments so that I could post them for your information.

 

 

My other Comments were along the lines of:  How are we (Tribes) suppose to take you (NMHSD) seriously now when you say that "we (NMHSD) are interested in best practice on cultural competency, outreach education, and how to engage Tribes both on the governmental and community level"?  In the past 9 months I have and others have told you the wheres who's and hows of engaging Tribal Programs, we have told you over and over what we think of Centennial care both in person and in response commentary papers at consultations, and nothing of what we (Tribal people) want or think is included in the Centennial Care Waiver.