American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) experience higher rates of infant mortality, many chronic conditions (including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), and behavioral health conditions. During the pandemic, higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death also disparately impacted AI/AN. The rural nature of most reservations, provider shortages, lack of culturally relevant care, and Indian Health Service funding that, historically, has not met AI/AN health needs, all contribute to these disparities. However, some states and Tribes, working together, are leveraging Medicaid to deliver better care to AI/AN and address health disparities.  

This webinar explores two state strategies and offers both state and AI/AN perspectives on each. 

• Arizona’s Medicaid agency established its American Indian Medical Home (AIMH) program in partnership with tribal leadership. AIMH is based in a primary care case management model and seeks to improve the delivery of primary care, diabetes education, and care coordination to Tribal members. 

• The Washington State Health Care Authority worked with the American Indian Health Commission for Washington State, which represents 29 federally-recognized Tribes and two Urban Indian Health Organizations, to improve Medicaid’s behavioral health crisis response services for American Indians. Initiatives included Tribal Designated Crisis Responders, crisis coordination protocols, and more. 

Please join us for this first in a series of webinars examining how state officials and Tribal leaders are partnering to improve the health care delivered to AI/AN.

Speakers 

• Sue Birch, Director, Washington State Health Care Authority
• Vicki Lowe, Executive Director, American Indian Health Comission for Washington State 
• Leslie Short, Deputy Assistant Director, Division of Fee for Service Management, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System 
• Jessica Weeks, MD, Chief of Primary Care, Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility