Virginia Law

A. There is an advisory committee to the Medicaid agency director on health and medical care services established in accordance with and meeting all the requirements of 42 CFR 431.12.

B. Tribal consultation. Section 1902(a)(73) of the Social Security Act requires a state in which one or more Indian health programs or Urban Indian organizations furnish health care services to establish a process for the state Medicaid agency to seek advice on a regular, ongoing basis from designees of Indian health programs, whether operated by the Indian Health Service, a Tribe, or Tribal organizations under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) or Urban Indian Organizations under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 USC § 1601 et seq.), concerning Medicaid matters having a direct impact on Indian health programs.

C. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) seeks advice on an ongoing basis from federally recognized tribes, Indian health programs, and Urban Indian organizations on matters related to Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program programs. DMAS has identified a program designee as an advisory contact, through which the dissemination of information will occur. Designees from each Tribe, Indian health program, and Urban Indian organization receive written communication from DMAS about State Plan amendments, waiver proposals, waiver extensions, waiver amendments, and waiver renewals before any of these documents are submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Tribes, Indian health programs, and Urban Indian organizations may request additional information and may request meetings to discuss the proposed changes. DMAS invites these groups to request additional information or offer comments on proposed changes within 30 days of the notification of State Plan amendments, waiver proposals, waiver extensions, waiver amendments, or waiver renewals. For emergency-related submissions, such as a natural disaster or a legislative mandate, DMAS seeks information requests, comments, or proposed changes within 15 days of notification. The coordination of this consultation process was established through an email communication with designees from each Tribe and Indian health program on January 29, 2021. To maintain a cooperative channel of communication and informative dialogue between DMAS and the Tribal organizations, the agency sought out and will continue to seek advice on a regular, ongoing basis via email, teleconference, or meetings.