Arizona SB 1776 Would Write Traditional Healing Into State Medicaid Law

Federal waivers opened the door — now an Arizona bill aims to make it permanent.

From Federal Waiver to State Law

In October 2024, the federal government approved Section 1115 Medicaid waivers allowing Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon to reimburse traditional healing services at Indian Health Service facilities, tribal health programs, and urban Indian organizations. That was a historic first for Native health. But waivers are temporary, require federal renewal, and can be rescinded — and the current administration has already declined to renew other Medicaid waivers approved under the previous one. Arizona Senate Bill 1776 would take a different approach: amending AHCCCS statutes to list traditional healing as a covered Medicaid benefit codified in state law, alongside hospice, dental, and durable medical equipment.

What This Could Mean for Native Populations

As of March 2026, SB 1776 has been engrossed and transmitted to the Arizona House. It is worth noting this is a partisan bill and its path forward remains uncertain. If passed, traditional healing reimbursement in Arizona would no longer depend solely on the survival of a federal pilot program. Research compiled by the National Council of Urban Indian Health has shown that incorporating cultural practices such as talking circles, ceremony, and plant medicine into care improves recovery and emotional well-being among Our Relatives. Native practitioners already deliver these services in IHS and tribal facilities across Indian Country — SB 1776 would create a state-level funding mechanism.

Ellsworth Solutions Is Monitoring SB 1776

As a Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company, Ellsworth is tracking this bill to keep our partners and communities informed. We are cautious and optimistic that Indigenous Ways of Knowledge and Native Ways of Knowing can be thoughtfully incorporated into today’s Western healthcare delivery. Culture awareness and culturally competent care remain at the core of every placement we make for elders, families, and tribal health systems.

Keeping Indian Country Informed

Ellsworth will continue monitoring SB 1776 and sharing developments that affect Native health policy. If your tribal health program, IHS facility, or rural hospital needs culturally competent Native practitioners who understand the communities they serve, connect with us today.