United Indian Health Services (UIHS) announced today that it has become the first Indian Health Care Provider (IHCP) in California to successfully receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for Traditional Health Care Practices. This milestone follows the October 2024 federal approval of California’s Section 1115 CalAIM waiver, which authorized Medicaid coverage for cultural healing services as part of substance use disorder treatment for the first time in state history.
UIHS recently satisfied a claim under new California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations, marking a significant step in integrating culturally rooted healing practices into mainstream healthcare.
“This milestone represents the culmination of decades of advocacy and the resilience of our communities,” said Elizabeth Lara-O’Rourke, CEO. “Recognizing the healing practices of our people as part of comprehensive care affirms what American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have always known – that culture is healing.”
For generations, Native communities have relied on traditional healers and natural helpers to provide holistic wellness, though these services were historically not eligible for reimbursement. By working through the state approval process, UIHS can now offer these culturally based healing services as part of everyday care and be reimbursed.
This milestone reflects UIHS’s ongoing commitment to making culturally grounded healing more accessible for Native communities.
About United Indian Health Services (UIHS)
United Indian Health Services is a healthcare organization providing comprehensive, culturally competent care to AI/AN communities in Northern California. UIHS integrates medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and traditional health services to support holistic wellness and continues to lead in advancing culturally grounded care.