HEALTH

Bill would authorize Medicaid to cover Indigenous healing services in Utah

Feb 19, 2024, 4:00 PM | Updated: 4:33 pm

FILE: Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, speaks at a Senate Revenue and Taxati...

FILE: Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, speaks at a Senate Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Escamilla has sponsored a bill that would include traditional Native medicine for reimbursement through Medicaid.(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would cover traditional Indigenous healing services under Medicaid is making its way through the Utah Legislature.

The bill from Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, would include traditional Indigenous medicine for reimbursement through Medicaid.

According to the bill’s language, SB181 “would require the Department of Health and Human Service(s) to apply for a Medicaid waiver related to traditional healing services.”

Data from the state of Utah shows that about 3% of Utah Medicaid enrollees are Native American. That means about 15,000 residents could benefit from SB181.

Right now, New Mexico is the only state federally approved to cover this type of medicine.

Defining Indigenous healing

The bill defines a traditional healing provider as a person who “provides traditional healing services in a manner that is recognized by an American Indian or Alaskan Native tribe as being
consistent with the tribe’s traditional healing practices.”

The bill further defines traditional healing services as “a system of culturally appropriate healing methods for physical, mental, and emotional healing.”

Escamilla explained in the last hearing how the state would choose healers for coverage.

“Tribal governments and councils will be the ones proving who are those traditional healers,” she said. “And then they will be the ones providing the qualifications for the facilities to be able to receive their reimbursement.”

In other words, the governments of Utah’s eight sovereign tribes would decide which services and providers would be covered.

Escamilla said she hopes this change in Utah law will address longstanding health disparities for Utah’s Native residents.

Other reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

7 hours ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

20 hours ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter reported it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvov...

Simone Seikaly

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs that had been vaccinated but contracted parvovirus anyway.

3 days ago

This image shows a chicken coop and garden at the home of Sarah Penny in Knoxville, Tenn., in May 2...

Associated Press

Soaring egg prices are piquing interest in backyard chickens

Thinking about backyard chickens as egg prices soar? Think hard, especially in light of the bird flu outbreak.

3 days ago

A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus o...

Don Brinkerhoff

AI model could help predict dangers in unborn babies

Researchers have developed a new AI model that may help doctors assess the risk a fetus has for serious complications like stillbirth.

3 days ago

Dentist Spencer Luke seals Paulina Orozco's teeth, Feb. 24, 2007. On Feb. 6, Fortis College in Salt...

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com

Give Kids a Smile seeks to help kids who don’t visit a dentist as much as they should

In 2022, dental officials said slightly more than half the population aged 0-18 years old visited the dentist at least one time during the year.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Bill would authorize Medicaid to cover Indigenous healing services in Utah