Medicaid and Alaska Natives:
Medicaid is the second largest state budget item in Alaska - after public school funding. Nearly 40% of Medicaid clients are Alaska Natives and an equal amount of program expenditures are made on their behalf. Alaska Natives are more likely to utilize health care services provided by the tribal health system if available. However, two thirds of the funds spent on Alaska Native health care is paid to private sector providers.
By advocating for full federal funding that covers all Medicaid services provided by the tribes and supporting infrastructure development within the tribal health care system, the Department's goal is to maintain the number of eligible people and covered services in the overall Medicaid Program. Developing and maintaining a comprehensive health care package for Alaska Native beneficiaries at tribal health facilities, provides a direct benefit to all Alaska residents by maximizing the reimbursement available to tribal providers.
