Arizona Secures Federal Green Light for Medicaid Coverage of Indigenous Healing Services

Indigenous communities in Arizona are melding traditional healing practices with Western medicine, emphasizing the importance of culturally appropriate care. Across various tribal health care facilities, these traditional methods have been a longstanding cornerstone of wellness.

Despite the lack of federal coverage for traditional healing services under programs like Medicaid, many tribal facilities continue to offer these essential services to Indigenous patients. Recognizing this need, a working group formed under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has been exploring ways to reimburse these traditional practices.

Dr. John Molina of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, representing the Pascua Yaqui and Yavapai Apache tribes, plays a vital role in this group. He notes that their initiative spans over a decade and reflects a significant usage of traditional healing services in tribal communities. “This is something that our people are still using,” he stressed, countering the perception that these practices are obsolete.

In October, AHCCCS achieved a milestone when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the coverage of traditional healing services provided by the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribally-operated health facilities. This endorsement marks a critical step in acknowledging the legitimacy of Indigenous traditional healing methods.

According to the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Indigenous traditional healing encompasses a wide array of holistic treatments for various health conditions. “The federal approval is a watershed moment,” said AHCCCS Director Carmen Heredia, highlighting the importance of culturally competent care.

Heredia added that this journey started in 2015 and has continually progressed to ensure the well-being of Indigenous populations in Arizona. The CMS approval enables AHCCCS to create policies for reimbursing services offered by certified traditional healers within IHS or tribal health centers.

Christine Holden, the tribal liaison for AHCCCS, emphasized that gaining federal approval is just the beginning. The next step involves attaining state-level authorization, which is crucial for establishing a rollout timeline for these services.

Traditional healing practices, such as sweat lodges, smudging, and ceremonial healing, will now have the potential for Medicaid billing. Molina expressed optimism that this development will not only sustain existing services but also invite more facilities to offer traditional healing.

“Traditional healing is embedded in our culture,” Molina stated, underscoring its significance beyond conventional medicine. He remarked that spiritual wellness is integral to health, a belief that has been held for centuries among Indigenous peoples.

Holden reiterated that this integration represents more than a policy change; it acknowledges the value of Indigenous cultures. “It’s about a more inclusive health care system that responds to our cultural needs,” she noted.

Access to traditional healing is a significant advancement for Indigenous communities, ensuring that original practices, which have persisted through generations, are recognized and incorporated into modern health systems. Molina highlighted the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty in health care, stating, “We have a right to determine the management of our healthcare.”

As this initiative progresses, it not only strengthens Indigenous communities but also sets a precedent for health equity nationwide. Holden hopes this will encourage a broader acceptance of traditional healing practices, ultimately allowing all Indigenous peoples the choice to incorporate their cultural methods into health care.