Medicaid granted federal approval to cover Indigenous healing services in Arizona

Traditional healing practices have been an integral part of Indigenous communities for generations. Even today, alongside Western medicine, these practices are still widely used within tribal healthcare facilities across Arizona.

Traditional healing services, although not included in federal programs like Medicaid, are still provided by many healthcare facilities in tribal communities for Indigenous patients.

A working group was established through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid program, to determine how traditional healing services could be reimbursed, as these services were being offered at certain tribal health care facilities.

Dr. John Molina, a member of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, represents the Pascua Yaqui and Yavapai Apache tribes. He actively contributes to the AHCCCS traditional healing workgroup.

Over a decade ago, the group initiated their efforts driven by the continued utilization of traditional healing services by patients in tribal communities.

Molina emphasized that traditional healing services are not a thing of the past, despite the belief held by many. He stated, “This is something that our people are still using.”

After working diligently for around ten years, AHCCCS successfully obtained approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in October. This significant milestone allows AHCCCS to provide coverage for traditional healing services offered by the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribally-operated health facilities in Arizona.

Indigenous traditional healing, as described by the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), is a comprehensive medical system that utilizes a variety of holistic treatments. Indigenous healers use these procedures to treat acute and chronic conditions as well as to improve overall health and well-being.

“In a statement, AHCCCS Director Carmen Heredia expressed her excitement over the federal approval of coverage for traditional healing services in Arizona and several other states. She described this as a pivotal moment in acknowledging the significance of culturally competent care. The administration had initially pursued reimbursement for traditional healing under Medicaid in 2015 and once again in 2020.”

Heredia expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact that these services will have on the health and well-being of our members as we continue to collaborate with Arizona’s Indigenous communities.

According to the agency, the approval from CMS enables AHCCCS to develop policies and guidelines for compensating services provided by traditional healers who work for or have contracts with an IHS or tribally run health center. Additionally, urban Indian organizations have the opportunity to provide services through a care coordination agreement with an approved IHS or tribally operated facility.

The agency states that only AHCCCS members who are eligible for services through an IHS or tribally operated facility can receive traditional healing services.

Christine Holden, the tribal liaison for AHCCCS, stated that the initial step is to obtain federal approval, after which AHCCCS will proceed with their plans to secure state approval.

AHCCCS will establish a timeline for implementation and notify members and providers of the effective date once it receives the necessary approval from the Arizona legislature.

Traditional healing services come in different forms, such as sweat lodges, smudging, and ceremonies. AHCCCS has emphasized that obtaining federal approval is an important initial stage in enabling traditional healers to bill for their services under Medicaid.

Molina emphasized that this provides reassurance for the IHS facilities and other health facilities operated by tribes in Arizona. It allows them to continue offering these services while also giving those who have not yet provided them an opportunity to do so.

According to Molina, traditional healing services play a significant role in our lifestyle and culture as they provide a sense of wellness and healing that Western medicine often fails to deliver.

Molina emphasized that traditional healing encompasses the spiritual dimension of our overall well-being and health, a practice that Indigenous communities have embraced for centuries, predating colonization.

Holden emphasized that the integration of traditional healing practices into Medicaid goes beyond a mere policy change; it is a much-needed recognition.

Holden emphasized the importance of acknowledging the value that tribes, cultures, and traditions hold, as well as the significance of integrating these practices into the Western system. According to Holden, this integration leads to a more comprehensive healthcare system that is sensitive to the cultural needs of indigenous communities.

Holden, a member of the White Mountain Apache and Hopi tribes, emphasized the immense significance of expanding access to traditional healing services within Indigenous communities in Arizona. These practices have been deeply rooted in tribal cultures since ancient times.

Recognizing and approving traditional healing services at the federal level not only demonstrates a deep respect for Indigenous traditional knowledge but also upholds the principles of Tribal sovereignty.

“We have the right to decide how our healthcare is managed,” expressed Molina. “As Indigenous nations nationwide, we are exercising our sovereign right to access these healing services.”

Holden emphasized the importance of AHCCCS’s reimbursement for traditional healing services, highlighting the significance of respecting tribal sovereignty.

Holden stated that this decision pays tribute to the independence of tribal nations in incorporating their cultural traditions into the contemporary healthcare system. According to her, this not only empowers Indigenous communities but also establishes a model for promoting health equity at both national and global levels.

“I have high hopes that this will serve as a positive catalyst and establish a new standard nationwide. It is crucial that all our loved ones have the opportunity to explore their traditional healing methods and integrate them into their healthcare,” she expressed optimistically.

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