Traditional medicine waivers expand to IHS in Maine and Utah
U.S. Health officials approve plans for states to reimburse Medicare and Medicaid billing for ceremonies
Traditional medicine expansion through the Indian Health Services has now reached Maine and Utah.
In September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved reimbursement plans that allow the two states to authorize payments for qualified traditional health care practices, including mental health and substance use treatment services and nutritional care for Native Americans.
The waivers, which went into effect Oct. 1 and last until 2031, allow state health departments to reimburse traditional medicine costs for IHS, tribal health facilities or individuals.
The Utah waiver also allows for reimbursement through urban health care facilities.
Four other states — California, Oregon, New Mexico and Arizona — have been approved to run similar programs.
The reimbursement programs are overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In a statement after the approval, A.C. Locklear, CEO for the National Indian Health Board, praised federal health officials for expanding traditional medicine.
"Healing the whole person works,” Locklear (Lumbee) said. “This decision solidifies the foundation for Traditional Medicine’s role in our healthcare system, and we will continue to support the growth and evaluation of these methods of care.”
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