WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: MEDI-CAL COVERAGE OF TRADITIONAL HEALER AND NATURAL HELPER SERVICES

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover culturally centered substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services provided by traditional healers and natural helpers. This policy change – years in the making – grants eligible Medi-Cal members access to culturally based care provided by Indian Health Services facilities, Tribal health clinics, and Urban Indian organizations through the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System.

California is home to the largest population of American Indian/Alaska Natives in the country. This milestone marks the first time Medi-Cal will cover traditional health care practices in use since time immemorial. California is one of only four states—along with Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon—to receive approval for Medicaid reimbursement of traditional health care practices.

"I would like to gratefully acknowledge the leadership of CMS and DHCS for entering into this historic agreement to include cultural practices in the treatment of substance use disorders. As Native people, we are keenly aware of the importance of incorporating traditional health modalities in health and healing," said Jesus Tarango, Tribal Chairman of Wilton Rancheria. "Today's approval is an important first step in ensuring these life-saving services are made available to Tribal people across the state as they begin their healing journey. We look forward to continuing to work as partners to further grow and expand these valuable offerings."

“For the first time, Medicaid is acknowledging the vital role traditional healers and natural helpers play in recovery," said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “These culturally centered health practitioners have long provided vital substance use disorder services without recognition or reimbursement from health care programs like Medi-Cal. That changes now."

“CMS' approval is first and foremost the fulfillment of the efforts of our Tribal leader and Urban Indian organization partners whose vision and steadfast advocacy made this a priority," said State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith. “I am immensely proud that California's Tribal and Urban Indian communities now have access to culturally based traditional healing practices through Medi-Cal, marking a historic step toward health equity and honoring the rich traditions of our diverse Native communities."

“The California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) applauds DHCS for securing this federal waiver to allow Medi-Cal to cover traditional health care practices for SUD treatment services provided through Tribal, Indian Health Services, and Urban Indian organizations," said CEO Dr. Mark LeBeau. “CRIHB appreciates DHCS' dedication to expanding care options that resonate deeply with the communities we serve and support the plurality of sovereign approaches each Tribe has to their traditional medicines."

“American and Alaska Native people have a very unique set of needs. The type of healing we need and deserve must be culturally based and reflective of who we are as a people. It must be rooted in our values, culture, language, and belief system," said Virginia Hendrick, Director of the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health. “In reimbursing these services, California is not creating new services. It's the state and federal government acknowledging that Indian country has resources and tools to heal ourselves."

"Friendship House is greatly encouraged by DHCS' commitment to integrating traditional healing practices into the broader health care delivery system," said Clayton Dumont (The Klamath Tribes), Chief Operating Officer at Friendship House. "The inclusion of traditional healers and natural helpers in Medi-Cal is a pivotal moment, marking a significant step forward in honoring and preserving Native cultures. This initiative recognizes the value of our ancestral knowledge and ensures holistic care is accessible to those who need it most."

“It is vital that we honor our traditional ways of healing and understand they are as important and valuable as Western medicine," said Kiana Maillet, licensed therapist and owner of Hiichido Licensed Clinical Social Worker Professional Corporation. “Traditional healing is deeply engrained in our blood memory, our cultures, and our communities. Without it, we are missing a piece of who we are. As we continue to regain access to traditional ways – ways that our ancestors were punished for in the past – we move forward with healing from historical traumas and improving the health of our future generations."