FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2025
PHOENIX – The Arizona Legislature has introduced SB1671, also known as the Traditional Healing; AHCCCS bill. This bipartisan bill aims to amend sections 36-2907, 36-2939, and 36-2981 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, proposing an appropriation of $1,300,000 from the state general fund and additional funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 to expand access to traditional healing services under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Spearheaded by Senator Gonzales and co-sponsors including; Senators Alston, Bravo, Diaz, Epstein, Gabaldón, Hatathlie, Kuby, Miranda, Ortiz, Shope, Sundareshan, and Representatives Garcia, Hernandez A, Hernandez C, Peshlakai, this bill represents an important step in recognizing the value of traditional healing for Native American communities in Arizona.
Efforts to integrate traditional healing into healthcare policy began in 2015, when a Traditional Healing Workgroup consisting of tribal 638 and Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, Urban Indian programs, traditional practitioners, and other stakeholders, came together to develop a waiver which sought to reimburse for traditional healing services provided by Tribal and 638 facilities. The waiver leveraged the 100% Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that IHS and 638 facilities receive. This ensured sustainable funding for these important services.
On October 16, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the AHCCCS 1115 waiver request to reimburse traditional healing services provided in or through Tribal 638 and IHS facilities. These services are to be eligible to all Tribal 638 and IHS beneficiaries, including non-natives.
Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital, expressed her support for the bill stating, “The integration of traditional healing practices into Medicaid is not just a policy change; it is a recognition of the value of tribal cultures and traditions. Incorporating traditional Native health into state systems and non-tribal health care systems demonstrates that Arizona recognizes the importance of Indigenous traditions.”
The bill is currently under review by the Health & Human Services, Appropriations, and Rules Committees. For updates on SB1671, visit the official Arizona Legislature website at https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83194
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