Some Native American traditional healing practices now covered in Arizona

October 16ththe Biden administration will expand both Medicaid coverage and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon through demonstration amendments to Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, expanding traditional It was announced that it targeted the healing practices of Native Americans.

“Traditional medical practices are a way of life in many communities, and they are of great importance to American Indians and Alaska Natives,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release. “However, in many cases, health insurance coverage is not covered. By incorporating traditional medical practices into certain IHS facilities, Medicaid and CHIP allow us to increase access to culturally appropriate, high-quality health care in tribal communities.” We are expanding access to

in arizonatraditional medical practice is Indian Health Service (IHS) or Facilities independently operated by tribal nations Eligible for Medicaid and CHIP.

Unlike California, New Mexico, and Oregon, Arizona covers Medicaid for Native American treatment. will also be extended to Indian urban organizationa nonprofit organization that provides health care and other services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Medicaid is a government-run health insurance program that provides low-cost or no-cost coverage to low-income members of families in the United States. CHIP works similarly However, it provides special coverage for children in families who are not eligible for Medicaid but do not have insurance through a family plan.

Coverage for traditional treatments varies depending on the individual facility the patient visits, but covered treatments may include things like sweat room therapy and music therapy.

of Arizona medical cost control system It was originally submitted Request coverage for these services It was requested in 2015, but the request was denied.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a policy framework Earlier this year, we detailed how this reform would ensure that traditional medical treatments are reimbursed at 100% value for service in four states. Before the reform, facilities offering traditional treatments were not covered.

Arizona has long struggled to address health disparities among Native Americans in the state. The state is plagued by fake rehabilitation facilities. deliberately targeted Native Americans. Recruiters at these facilities often traveled to Native American tribal lands or waited for Native Americans outside medical facilities. There they lured people into sober living facilities that often provided unsafe and inadequate care and billed Americans in the state to defraud Medicaid. Indian Health Program for treatment not provided.

Last year, Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays investigation We are working with the FBI and various tribal authorities to bring charges against these facilities.

native american have also been unduly influenced Due to the high prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Substance abuse problems and suicide are also higher among Native Americans than among other ethnic groups in the United States.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health found it Suicide was one of the leading causes of death among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 10 to 34.

The ongoing historical trauma perpetuated by the U.S. government contributes to many health disparities faced by Native American communities.

genocide, forced relocation Hundreds of thousands of Native Americans were moved from their homelands to reservations with poor living conditions, their main food source, the buffalo, was nearly wiped out, and unhealthy food rationing was introduced. assimilation boarding school This movement, which lasted until the 1970s, left lasting trauma for many Native American families across generations and contributed to the poor diet, substance abuse, and physical and mental health problems found in these communities. It becomes.

For decades, the federal government also banned many Native American communities Since I was able to practice traditional medicine.

Tribal leaders say the move will help reduce health disparities among Native Americans by incorporating sacred treatments that have been used and trusted for generations.

“This groundbreaking recognition reflects the understanding that health is more than just physical. It is spiritual and emotional and deeply tied to our culture,” said Navajo Nation President. Buu Nyguren I wrote in a recent post about Social media platform. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribal nation in the United States, with a land base as large as West Virginia. “Traditional healing, including rituals and treatments, will become more accessible through hospitals, clinics, and tribal programs to provide comprehensive care to people.”

Many traditional Native American remedies have proven health benefits. sweat lodge etc. is documented It helps remove infections from the body, helps with pain relief and rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, reduces insomnia, and promotes healthy skin.

sweat lodge It has spiritual significance to many Native American communities. aids detoxification – Rehabilitation treatment that may help alleviate substance abuse problems within Native American communities.

“By strengthening access to traditional medical practices, these innovative national demonstrations can play an important role in reducing health disparities and improving health across tribal communities.” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks Rasul. in a news release.

Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC), IHS’ Largest Indigenous care facility Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the company provides direct medical services to more than 150,000 individuals.

What PIMC offers spiritual care serviceswhich the website describes as “person-centered care provided to meet the current needs of individuals in distress.”

“PIMC is unique in that we are located in a major metropolitan area and serve a large patient population representing more than 74% of the 574 federally recognized tribes,” said PIMC Chief Executive Officer CEO Deb Ward Lund said in a statement to Cronkite News. “Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) coverage of traditional medical practices will support the growth of PIMC’s spiritual care program. I look forward to helping you do that.”

Spiritual care coverage is not permanent. This is part of a pilot program that will be reviewed over the next few years and is set out to: Expiration date is September 30, 2027If not extended.

“American Indians and Alaska Natives have been endowed with deep and valuable knowledge of traditional healing from our ancestors,” IHS Director Roselyn Tso said in a news release. Tso is a registered member He is from the Navajo Nation and is from Luchee, Arizona.

“These practices have kept people healthy for generations and continue to serve as a vital link between culture, science and health in many communities,” she said.