Traditional Health Care Practices
On October 16, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved DHCS to cover traditional health care practices provided by Indian Health Care Providers (IHCPs) for Medi-Cal members in Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) counties through December 31, 2026, unless extended or amended.
Traditional health care practices encompass two new service types: Traditional Healer and Natural Helper services. DMC-ODS counties shall provide coverage for traditional health care practices received through IHCPs to Medi-Cal members who receive covered services delivered by or through these facilities and meet DMC-ODS access criteria. IHCPs include Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, facilities operated by Tribes or Tribal organizations (Tribal Facilities) under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and facilities operated by urban Indian organizations (UIO facilities) under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
Traditional health care practices are expected to improve access to culturally responsive care; support these facilities' ability to serve their patients; maintain and sustain health; improve health outcomes and the quality and experience of care; and reduce existing disparities in access to care.
For questions related to traditional health care practices, please email
traditionalhealing@dhcs.ca.gov.
Guidance
Resources
Webinars
- Informational Webinar, April 22, 2025
DHCS will present an overview of BHIN 25-007 Traditional Health Care Practices Benefit Implementation at the Tribes and Indian Health Program Representatives Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 PM. The presentation is open to the public and will review policy guidance to support IHCPs and DMC-ODS counties with the implementation of this new benefit. Please note advanced registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance to traditionalhealing@dhcs.ca.gov with the subject line “Traditional Health Care Practices Implementation.”
