Tribal Communities in Oregon Gain Approval for Traditional Health Care Practices Under Oregon Health

Tribal Communities in Oregon Gain Approval for Traditional Health Care Practices Under Oregon Health PlanPhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, October 18, 2024

Salem, OR – The Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), have received federal approval to cover traditional health care practices under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This approval comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This groundbreaking decision allows Oregon's tribal communities to integrate Tribal Traditional Healing Practices into the state's health care system, which will now be Medicaid reimbursable. It aims to address the health disparities and lower life expectancy experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native populations, which are often linked to historical trauma and systemic inequalities in health care access.

“This is long overdue,” said Emma Sandoe, Oregon’s Medicaid Director. “This will help improve the quality of care, healthy outcomes, and access to culturally appropriate health services for tribal communities in the state.”

A Commitment to Tribal Health

Since 2003, Oregon's Tribes and health advisors have been gathering information about indigenous health practices that improve life and health outcomes within tribal communities. OHA has supported these Tribal Based Practices with contracts and grant funding, and this new approval marks a significant step toward expanding health care access.

Oregon is now one of the first four states in the U.S. to receive approval for Medicaid coverage of traditional health care practices provided by Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, Tribal facilities, and the Urban Indian Organization (UIO). The other states include Arizona, California, and New Mexico.

Julie Johnson, a member of the Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and OHA’s Tribal Affairs Director, celebrated the approval: “Our ancestors gave us the strength to endure survival for thousands of years, utilizing our traditional medicines and cultural ways of life. We are grateful for our partnerships with the Nine Tribes in Oregon and the Urban Indian Health Program, who are experts in our tribal communities.”

OHA will work closely with tribal partners on the implementation of these changes.

For more information on Oregon’s approval, visit Medicaid.gov.

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By Kristy Tallman, Oct. 18, 2024
The Republic News

Source: Oregon Health Authority

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