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Medicaid to cover traditional health care services provided by tribal organizations

Recent developments in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are set to notably improve access to health care for Indigenous populations in the United States. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved changes that allow Medicaid and CHIP to cover traditional health care services provided by tribal facilities and urban Indian organizations. This initiative aims to bridge gaps in health care delivery for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, which historically face significant disparities.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure emphasized that enhancing access to traditional health practices can play a vital role in reducing health disparities. Research indicates that Indigenous populations endure higher mortality rates than their Caucasian counterparts, largely due to inadequate health care access and chronic disease prevalence. Addressing the unique needs of these communities is crucial, as many face obstacles like fragmented health services and insufficient resources.

Recent developments in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are set to notably improve access to health care for Indigenous populations in the United States. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved changes that allow Medicaid and CHIP to cover traditional health care services provided by tribal facilities and urban Indian organizations. This initiative aims to bridge gaps in health care delivery for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, which historically face significant disparities.

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure emphasized that enhancing access to traditional health practices can play a vital role in reducing health disparities. Research indicates that Indigenous populations endure higher mortality rates than their Caucasian counterparts, largely due to inadequate health care access and chronic disease prevalence. Addressing the unique needs of these communities is crucial, as many face obstacles like fragmented health services and insufficient resources.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the cultural significance of traditional healing practices in these communities, noting that insurers often fail to cover them. By incorporating these practices into Medicaid and CHIP, the federal government aims to extend culturally appropriate and quality health care services.

As health disparities continue to challenge Indigenous communities, the commitment to improving Medicaid options reflects a broader effort to ensure equitable health access and care for all Americans, regardless of their background.

See “New Tribal Health Medicaid, CHIP Reimbursement Aims to Improve Indigenous Disparities” (November 1, 2024)

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