The new coverage includes practices such as music therapy, sweat lodges, and drumming, which are integral to Native healing traditions and have proved helpful for addiction among other health issues.
A drumming circle at the Friendship House in San Francisco, Calif. Friendship House is a Native-led recovery treatment program that provides culturally relevant care.
Now, for the first time, Medicaid in California, Medi-Cal, as well as in Arizona, New Mexico and Oregon, is set to cover traditional health practices such as music therapy, sweat lodges, and dancing to help with physical and mental health. “I'm a full-blooded American Indian,” said Tahy, recounting the difficulties he faced in his youth. “Growing up I was subjected to a lot of prejudice, racism and segregation. I didn’t have any pride in who I was. I feel like drugs and alcohol were a way to cope with that shame. Alcohol helped me socialize and gave me courage.”
Until now some Native Americans have accessed traditional health care practices through IHS appropriations, Tribal resources, various pilot programs, and grants. This is the first time Medicaid will cover these services.While clinical approaches like detox, medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy are essential to treating substance use disorders, they often fail to address the cultural and spiritual needs of Native patients.
“What California is now covering under Medi-Cal is exactly what our Native communities have been asking to be covered for years,” Chase-Begay said. “This kind of support, had it been in place, could have helped stop some intergenerational trauma and substance use years ago. I'm so thrilled that it's in place now, but it's long overdue.”
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