​​​​​​​​​​​Traditional Health Care P​ractices​

​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

• BHIN 25-007 Traditional Health Care Practices Benefit Implementation

Resources

• CMS Approval Letter (see pages 1-10)
  
• Standard Terms and Conditions (see pages 93-142)

Webinars

• Informational Webinar, April 22, 2025
• Presentation

IHCPs Approved to Participate in Traditional Health Care Practices Benefit

The following IHCPs have submitted opt-in packages and have received approval from DHCS to begin delivering covered Traditional Healer and/or Natural Helper services for Medi-Cal payment.

DMC-ODS County Contacts