Native healing practices to get Medicaid coverage

• That's particularly true for mental health and substance use disorder, officials say.
• In an example, providers may prescribe herbs, prayers and songs for chronic conditions like diabetes that are becoming more common across sovereign nations, per the Salt Lake Tribune.

Driving the news: Arizona, California, New Mexico and Oregon each received waivers from the Biden administration, it was announced Wednesday.

• Under the waivers, each qualifying facility must have a method to determine culturally appropriate and qualified practitioners to provide the care. They should be employed by or contracted by an Indian Health Service or tribal health facility.
• Each facility must bill Medicaid for the traditional healing services provided and provide all documentation about activities upon request.

"American Indian and Alaska Natives have been endowed by our ancestors a deep and priceless wealth of traditional healing knowledge," IHS Director Roselyn Tso said in a statement. 

• "These practices have sustained our people's health for generations and continue to serve as a vital link between culture, science, and wellness in many of our communities."