Alaska's Traditional Health Care Practices 1115 Demonstration Waiver

Overview

Alaska is applying for a new 1115 demonstration waiver to include Traditional Health Care Practices (THCPs) as a Medicaid-reimbursable service when provided to eligible beneficiaries who are Alaska Native or American Indian (AN/AI) (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1603(13)) at Qualified Entities (as defined in 25 USC 1603(25)). 

THCPs are practices based on principles that have been traditionally used in Tribal communities since time immemorial. THCPs embody a whole-person approach to health and wellness and are validated utilizing the process that has been established by the Tribes.

The Department proposes that this demonstration will be effective from December 31, 2026, through December 31, 2031, with Medicaid coverage of THCPs beginning no earlier than January 1, 2028.

The full application can be found at the following link: 

How to sign up

The 30-day public comment period is open from Monday, October 5, 2026 through Wednesday, November 4, 2026:

Sign up for public notices related to the Alaska Department of Health:

The 30-day public comment period is open from Monday, October 5, 2026 through Wednesday, November 4, 2026:

To submit public comments on the Section 1115 demonstration application, please send them to the email or mailing address in the contacts below. All comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Alaska Time on November 4, 2026, to be assured consideration prior to submission of the demonstration application to CMS.

Public hearings

The Department will hold two public hearings on the demonstration application in accordance with CMS requirements.

The public is welcome to attend in-person or participate virtually in the public hearings to learn more about the demonstration application, ask questions, and provide public comments:

Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodation in order to attend these public meetings should contact us one business week prior to the meeting.

After reviewing comments received during the state public comment period, the Department will submit the demonstration application to CMS. Interested parties will also have an opportunity to provide comments during the federal public comment period following CMS publication of the application.

Resources

• ATHCP Demonstration Application