CHCS October 24, 2024
On October 16, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved 1115 waivers in four states — Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon — that, for the first time, allow state Medicaid agencies to cover American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) traditional health care practices. These waiver approvals aim to support sovereign Tribal governments in providing health care services reflective of individual Tribes’ cultures and healing knowledge. In each of the four states and at the federal level, the waivers and the terms of the approvals were developed in partnership with Tribal leaders through formal Tribal consultation processes, public comment periods, and advisory groups.
What are traditional health care practices and the effects of new Medicaid coverage?