Strengthening Medicaid and Tribal Relationships to Better Support Native Populations-

CHCS January 8, 2025
Anne Smithey and Genriel Ribitsch,* Center for Health Care Strategies

Medicaid serves about a third of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Policies that strengthen Medicaid programs and focus on AI/AN peoples’ needs can help address the significant health disparities in Native communities. While Medicaid programs are federally required to work with Tribal leaders on such policies, stronger partnerships can result in the development of more impactful policies and programs.

However, some state Medicaid staff may lack familiarity working directly with Tribal governments and health care providers, as well as the unique federal laws and treaties governing Tribal-Medicaid relationships. Relationships between Tribal governments and Medicaid may not always be strong and state staff may be unfamiliar with or unsure how to recognize Tribal sovereignty. Additionally, they may not devote...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor