News Summary
Arizona has officially expanded its Medicaid program to include traditional Indigenous healing services, a landmark decision after years of advocacy. This move, led by Governor Katie Hobbs, aims to support the health of Native American communities statewide. With over 167,000 Native Americans enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), this new coverage facilitates holistic treatments such as sweat lodges and talking circles, ensuring financial support for these vital cultural practices. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of traditional healing in enhancing healthcare for Indigenous populations.
Arizona has officially expanded its Medicaid program to include coverage for traditional Indigenous healing services, marking a significant milestone following over a decade of advocacy. This decision, announced during a roundtable discussion led by Governor Katie Hobbs on August 8, 2025, with Indigenous healthcare officials, is set to provide critical support for the health and wellness of Native American communities across the state.
Approximately 167,000 Native Americans are currently enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The federal government, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, approved the inclusion of traditional healing services under Medicaid in October, making Arizona one of only four states, alongside California, New Mexico, and Oregon, to secure such coverage.
To facilitate these new services, Governor Hobbs allocated $100,000 from state funds, allowing the state to leverage over $222 million in federal matching funds dedicated to traditional healing practices. As part of this initiative, traditional healing methods including holistic treatments such as sweat lodges, prayers, talking circles, and ceremonial rituals will be available for reimbursement through the Medicaid program.
Senate Bill 1671, sponsored by Senator Sally Ann Gonzales, aims to appropriate $1.3 million for traditional healing benefits and has received bipartisan support, demonstrating a commitment from various political factions to enhance healthcare for Indigenous peoples. Traditional healing practices have long been vital to Indigenous communities, serving as legitimate health interventions crucial for addressing mental, emotional, and physical health challenges.
Support for this initiative comes from health leaders and traditional healers who have testified to the effectiveness of these practices. The integration of traditional healing into healthcare systems is expected to significantly improve health outcomes among Indigenous populations in Arizona. However, there are concerns regarding the potential for exploitation of the new coverage, emphasizing the need for safeguards to prevent fraud while protecting these vital cultural practices.
The federal government will fully reimburse the costs associated with these healing services when provided through tribal health facilities. It is envisioned that both older and younger members of Indigenous communities will benefit from this new coverage, particularly as there is an increasing demand among the youth for traditional healing methods. This change is anticipated to improve community understanding and access to traditional healing, fostering cultural revitalization.
The effort to secure Medicaid coverage for traditional healing services has been ongoing for over a decade, with many tribal health facilities already offering these practices despite them not being covered under previous federal programs. The recent legislative changes are poised to offer a structured and financially supported avenue for traditional healing, benefiting all 22 tribes in Arizona. This ongoing effort aims to respect and include each tribe’s unique cultural practices in the reimbursement process, ensuring comprehensive coverage that honors Indigenous traditions.
By incorporating traditional healing services into the AHCCCS, Arizona is taking a crucial step toward recognizing and validating the significance of Indigenous healing practices, which play an integral role in the overall health and wellness of Native American communities. The future of this initiative looks to be positively impactful, as it bridges gaps within the healthcare system, ensuring that traditional medicine is valued and accessible.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Pinal Central Article
- AZ Mirror Article
- AZ Central Article
- Downtown Devil Article
- AZ Mirror Federal Approval Article
- Wikipedia: Medicaid
- Google Search: Traditional Indigenous Healing
- Google Scholar: Indigenous Health Care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American Medicine
- Google News: Traditional Healing Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
