Utah Medicaid to Cover Traditional Healing Services

Utah may soon join several other states that include traditional healing services in their Medicaid programs.

In late November, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services requested CMS approval for traditional healing services in its Medicaid program.

Some key points about Utah’s proposal:

Training and qualifications of traditional healing providers may vary widely, due to differences in traditions and customs among Tribes;

Covered services must be offered only by qualifying entities, which include Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, Tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations; and

Tribal health programs will be reimbursed consistent with the IHS All-Inclusive Rate. For others, a rate developed using a prospective payment system will apply.

CMS is accepting public comments on Utah’s proposal through Jan. 1, 2025. A link to the proposal and for providing comments can be found at https://lnkd.in/gPPhHHdK.