Medicaid and the Tribal Health Care Delivery System
Mission:
The State's relationship with the Tribes is a commitment to improving the health status of Alaska Native people. The Alaska Medicaid Tribal Health Program recognizes the importance of the tribal health care system in providing access to care as essential to the viability of the Medicaid Program for all Alaskans.
Goals and Objectives:
In order to improve the health status of Alaska Native people and maximize federal Medicaid funding, the Department:
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Advocates for enhanced federal funding for American Indians and Alaska Natives under Medicaid for all services and contract health referrals made by the Tribes.
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Provides funding for the tribal health care delivery system.
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Supports the infrastructure development of the Tribal health care delivery system.
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Collaborates with the Tribes on various initiatives and Department programs.
The partnership between Tribal Health Organizations and the State is invaluable for services to beneficiaries.
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.
