WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
CMS Ends Expedited Review for Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver Extensions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has rescinded its 2015 guidance allowing certain Section 1115 Medicaid and CHIP waiver extensions to receive expedited “fast-track” review. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, all Section 1115 demonstrations must receive a budget neutrality certification from the CMS Chief Actuary before they can be approved, renewed, or amended, requiring all extensions to undergo the standard federal review process.
The change is expected to lengthen timelines for renewing or implementing Section 1115 demonstrations, including those that support innovative Medicaid services and Tribal health initiatives. Although Tribal consultation requirements remain unchanged, states are encouraged to begin Tribal engagement early to help prevent delays or disruptions to programs serving Tribal communities.
Interior Launchs Electronic Probate System for Tribal Trust Estates
The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched the Electronic Probate System (EPS), a new digital platform designed to modernize the probate process for American Indian and Alaska Native trust estates. The system replaces paper-based processing with a secure online workflow that allows beneficiaries to report a death, upload documents, track case progress, and communicate directly with federal officials through a Family Portal.
Interior officials said the platform is intended to improve transparency, reduce administrative delays, and help address longstanding probate backlogs while maintaining human oversight of all decisions. Bureau of Indian Affairs probate staff will use a companion Specialist Portal to manage cases electronically. The department said additional enhancements to the eNativeTrust platform are planned as part of its broader effort to modernize trust management services.
Interior Launches Electronic Probate System for Tribal Trust Estates
The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched the Electronic Probate System, a new digital platform designed to modernize the probate process for American Indian and Alaska Native trust estates.
The system replaces paper-based processing with a secure online workflow that allows beneficiaries to report a death, upload documents, provide family information, and track the status of probate cases through a public-facing Family Portal. Bureau of Indian Affairs probate specialists will use a companion portal to review and process cases before submission to the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
Interior officials say the platform is intended to improve transparency, reduce processing delays, and address longstanding probate backlogs while maintaining human oversight of all decisions. The department also plans additional upgrades to its eNativeTrust platform in future phases as part of a broader effort to modernize trust management services.
