The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Medicaid State Plan Amendments (SPAs) in Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. This decision aims to expand healthcare access for American Indian and Alaska Native communities by allowing Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal clinics to provide Medicaid clinic services beyond their physical locations. These services can now be delivered in homes, schools, and other community settings.
"Until last year, federal rules prevented IHS and Tribal Medicaid clinic services providers from delivering Medicaid clinic services to vulnerable Tribal patients outside the four walls of the clinic," said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. "These approvals help vulnerable Americans get care when and where they need it most."
CMS collaborated with Tribal governments, the CMS Tribal Technical Advisory Group, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ Tribal Advisory Committee to address tribal concerns through these rule changes. The initiative seeks to tackle high rates of chronic illness, substance use disorders, and complex health needs among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
The SPAs allow IHS and Tribal Medicaid clinic service providers more flexibility in delivering care in remote areas. Each state's SPA approval includes a formal attestation to adopt an exception to the "four walls" requirement for IHS and Tribal clinics. This ensures that Medicaid funding supports community-based clinic services for eligible populations.
CMS continues its commitment to serving vulnerable populations efficiently while maintaining program integrity. For detailed information on each state’s SPA approval, visit Medicaid.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
