Indian Health Program California Native American Day 2022 Information

Indian Health Program (IHP)

The mission of the IHP is to improve the health status of American Indians living in urban, rural, and reservation or rancheria communities throughout California. Health services for American Indians are based on a special historical legal responsibility identified in treaties with the U.S. government. California voluntarily accepted this responsibility by adopting Public Law (P.L.) 83-280 in 1954, which allowed for State jurisdiction of Indian affairs.
IHP supports the following DHCS programs via Interagency Agreements with the California Department of Public Health:

IHP provides technical assistance and training to American Indian health clinics. These clinics offer comprehensive primary medical, dental, and public health nursing services to underserved populations in rural areas, reservations, rancherias, and urban areas.
IHP assists DHCS in maintaining compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which requires states to seek advice from designees of Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations on proposed changes to the Medi-Cal program having a direct effect on Indians, Indian Health Programs or Urban Indian Organizations.
IHP coordinates with similar programs of the federal government, other states, and voluntary programs to conduct studies on the health and health services available for American Indians and their families.
IHP administers a maternal-child health program known as the American Indian Maternal Services and Supports (AIMSS) Program.
Finally, IHP serves as the point of contact for American Indian health related Medi-Cal Program support.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or HIV/AIDS. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the state and federal government. For more information, visit the Medi-Cal web page.

The Medi-Cal Eligibility Division (MCED) is responsible for the development, coordination, clarification, and implementation of Medi-Cal regulations, policy, and procedures to assure Medi-Cal eligibility is determined accurately and timely by the 58 county human services agencies. For more information, visit the MCED web page.
Local county offices can be found on the DHCS County Offices web page.
For ways to apply for Medi-Cal health coverage, visit the Apply for Medi-Cal web page.

To find an Indian Health Service, Tribal or Urban Indian Health Program facility, visit the IHS web page.
For a list of California Health Programs, visit the IHS California Health Programs web page.

Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Division (MCBHD) administers, oversees, and monitors the Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) and Drug Medi-Cal programs. The SMHS program provides medically necessary services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. For more information, visit the Behavioral Health Services web page.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. For more information and to find treatment centers, visit the SAMHSA web page.

The Tribal Emergency Preparedness & Response Program provides the following emergency preparedness services and assistance to Tribal Health Programs, Tribal Communities and Tribal Leaders:

Assistance with developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) including hazard vulnerability analysis and communications components
Recommendations for assuring community level emergency preparation
On-site emergency preparedness training and exercises
Referrals and assistance with locating emergency preparedness resources

These services and assistance are provided "free of charge." For additional information, please visit the Emergency Preparedness and Response web page.

Below are COVID-19 related resources for Tribal and rural communities.

Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Resources for beneficiaries, providers, and partners:

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information - Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19: Rural Communities
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Training and Techinical Assistance Related to COVID-19

Last modified date: 1/7/2026 11:46 AM