It’s the turning point of your journey to health if you’re one of the Native American or Alaska Native with Arizona Medicaid, known as AHCCCS. Beginning on October 1 2025, you’ll be able to avail traditional healing techniques–the long-standing methods passed down through Tribal healers of the body, mind and emotional well-being–right within your coverage for no additional cost. This significant change came about after years of effort and the federal government approving it in October 2024, which made Arizona one of the four states (alongside California, Oregon, and New Mexico) to reimburse for these sacred practices through an Section 1115 waiver.
Imagine making contact with the nearest Tribal Health Center to schedule an event that is appropriate to your traditions, not just Western medicine. It’s no longer necessary to choose between your traditional beliefs and your doctor. Both are working together today. With the help of governor Katie Hobbs and Tribal leaders to honor your autonomy while keeping health care affordable. If healing through song or herbs or even ceremonies appeals for you, read this to discover how this will change your options now.
Arizona Medicaid now covers traditional healing
Start by determining whether your Tribal health center provides these services. Some such as Fort Defiance Indian Health Board or Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation already have. Each location works in conjunction with the Tribe to decide what’s included, from sweat lodges to speaking circles, to ensure it remains faithful to the ways of your community. There’s no need to pay out of pocket; AHCCCS will reimburse you at a 100% federal match with specific codes for billing. Contact the revenue manager at your facility for assistance, such as Terrilynn Nez-Chee in Fort Defiance, to ask what’s available and then book it.
This can be incorporated into the routine of your treatment. You may see a doctor to check up on your health, and then you can add traditional healing to improve your health. Facilities manage qualifications. Your healer has to be approved by the Tribe as well as a member of the community. In urban areas, Indian Organizations like Native Health can also join, through coordination of care. You get a holistic approach to assistance that Western medication alone won’t be able to touch the emotional balance you get through ceremonies.
Arizona Medicaid Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details for You |
| Launch Date | October 1st, 2025. Services to be billed at IHS/Tribal 638’s facilities |
| Who Qualifies | AHCCCS members who are eligible to use Tribal facilities, which includes non-natives who are served at Tribal facilities. |
| Services | Counseling, ceremonies, herbs – – as defined by each Tribe/facility |
| Providers | Traditional healers are employed or contracted by IHS 638s, IHS, Urban Indian Orgs |
| Limits | Small celebrations (not multi-day) Outpatient/inpatient with air rates |
| Pilot End | September 30 2027 – Possible review for extension |
| Official Website | https://az.gov/ |
History Behind the Change
This goes back to the year 2015 in which AHCCCS first sought coverage, but was rejected. Traditional Healing Workgroup was formed by Tribal Reps, healers and IHS members, who resubmitted the request in 2016 and in 2020. CMS finally approved the plan in 2024 following Biden administration adjustments to Section 1115 regulations. Arizona was the first to go it is now operational while others test.
The leaders such as Christine Holden, AHCCCS Tribal Liaison, describe it as a salute to self-determination. Governor Hobbs said it is a way to honor the things Tribal voices have asked directly. You will benefit from the 10 years of talks to safeguard sacred practices. No outsiders are allowed to dictate ceremonies. Facilities have been trained and provided with billing guidelines to make it easy.
How You Access and Use It
You confirm eligibility: you are enrolled in AHCCCS and accepted by your IHS/638 institution. Walk in and outpatients or inpatient stays – reimbursed via the All-Inclusive Rates (AIR) that can be as high as five days per outpatient. There is no additional cost for inpatient traditional parts.
It’s easy to bill providers, but all you have to do is show to the office. Contact us with questions or lists. Facilities such as Winslow Indian Health Center, or Pascua Yaqui Tribe guide you. You can follow your health care through your account on the member portal or via an application.
Limits help keep the focus small sessions, no nine-day rituals as of yet. The healing process is absorbed by your body in a different way than doctors prescribing pills. Janeen Phillips explains this personal touch is a way to preserve the practices that are appropriate for children. You can mix it with modern day care.
Benefits for Your Health
It is a feeling of wholeness when the culture of your home meets the medicine. Traditional healing targets the root of the problem. Stress from daily life also affects the spirit. Research has shown that it reduces depression and boosts immunity through rituals and herbs that are rooted in the ancestors of your family. Hanley Manygoats from Tuba City says it sustains communities for the long haul.
The affordability factor draws you in, with no copays for qualifying locations. It imparts knowledge to healers, which keeps them engaged. For those who aren’t natives in these centers it helps build respect across the lines. You can save time, money and also gain peace.
Challenges You Might Face
There are some ceremonies that do not is eligible for certification. Only shorter ones are currently. The availability of facilities varies and some Tribes have healers certified strictly to ensure their authenticity. The pilot expires in 2027. you should keep an eye out for renewal.
Rural spots can be booked fast and documents must be coordinated. But Workgroup meetings require your participation–fill out the form of interest to help shape the group. Be in the loop as it develops.
You have new options with Arizona Medicaid covering traditional healing from October 1, 2025. This brings your roots together with trusted medical care without any additional cost. From Fort Defiance to Tucson, the facilities are in place, backed by decades of work led by the Tribes. Get involved: call your center, mix practices and voice requirements through the Workgroup. This study proves that culture heals. Push for its expansion beyond 2027, so that your children will inherit it as well. Wellness is more effective when it is celebrated by the whole world; embrace this new era of your choice now.
FAQ’s
Who is eligible for traditional treatment in the context of AHCCCS?
You qualify as an AHCCCS member at IHS, Tribal 638, or partner Urban Indian facilities– Tribes determine the services.
Can it be used to cover large celebrations?
There aren’t any, but they tend to be shorter in the present; long waits for talks on expansion.
Where can you find a service near you?
Contact or email facilities such as Tuba City (Hanley Manygoats).
Hi, I’m Harikesh, a content writer at cgncollege.com. I write engaging and informative articles covering the latest news, India, and global updates. My goal is to keep readers informed with accurate and insightful stories from around the world.
