California Expands Medi-Cal to Include Traditional Native Healing Practices
In October 2024, California made a big step in improving health equity for American Indian communities. The federal government approved an amendment to California’s CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) program, which allows Medi-Cal and CHIP to cover traditional American Indian health care practices through December 31, 2026.
What has changed?
Under this new change, traditional health care practices can now be covered if they are provided through:
- Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities
- Tribal health centers
- Urban Indian health organizations
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for this coverage, individuals must:
- Be enrolled in Medi-Cal or CHIP.
- Receive services through an IHS, Tribal, or Urban Indian health facility.
- Live in California and be able to access one of these previously mentioned facilities.
Why is This Important?
This amendment marks a significant step in redefining what health care can look like, especially when it’s controlled by, and designed for Native communities. Not only does this amendment support Indigenous healing traditions, but it also sends a message: that cultural tradition is health care. It strengthens this vision by ensuring Native nations have the ability to create smokefree spaces that protect community health while also safeguarding access to traditional tobacco and medicines that are essential to ceremony and healing practices.
References
Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, October). California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demonstrations/downloads/ca-calaim-dmnstrn-appvl-10162024.pdf