The state has received federal approval this week to provide Medicaid dollars to cover traditional Native health care practices.
New Mexico is one of four states to receive the approval, according to a news release from the New Mexico Health Care Authority, which oversees the state’s Medicaid program. This will enable the state to improve health equity and improve access to culturally appropriate health care to diverse communities.
Participating facilities may include Indian Health Services and other tribal health organizations. Reimbursement will be covered for fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid members who receive services at participating facilities, according to the release.
“Recognizing that traditional health care practices vary across the many Tribes, Pueblos and Nations, New Mexico is pleased to be able to offer Medicaid reimbursement to practitioners in approved facilities who choose to participate,” Dana Flannery, Medicaid director, said through the news release. “This addition to the Medicaid program aligns with the Health Care Authority’s strategic plan to build a New Mexico where every resident thrives.”