These comments were submitted on behalf of the TSGAC on IHS Circular 2016-08, Purchasing Health Care Coverage (Draft
Circular). The Draft Circular addresses the purchase of health care coverage, commonly referred to as Tribal Premium Sponsorship (TPS or Sponsorship). Specifically, the draft Circular seeks to provide further detailed guidance to IHS Area Offices regarding the current IHS policy if IHS, Tribes or Tribal organizations, or an urban Indian organization (I/T/U) wishes to purchase coverage for IHS beneficiaries with funding provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) or the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).