In a press release dated October 16, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)announced the passage of Section 1115 Demonstration Amendments that allow Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover traditional health care practices provided by Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribal facilities and urban indigenous organizations (UIO).
CMS reported that studies have shown that traditional health care practices can improve outcomes for people with various conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders. Some tribes, according to the news briefing, view traditional healthcare practices as a critical element of healthcare that can help patients with specific physical and mental ailments.
This action is expected to improve access to culturally appropriate health services and health outcomes for tribal communities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon.
“By strengthening access to traditional health care practices, these innovative state demonstrations can play a crucial role in reducing health disparities and improving health in tribal communities,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks -LaSure, in a statement.
“Our ancestors have endowed American Indians and Alaska Natives with a deep and invaluable wealth of traditional healing knowledge. “These practices have sustained the health of our people for generations and continue to serve as a vital link between culture, science and well-being in many of our communities,” IHS Director Roselyn Tso said in a statement.
