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Traditional Healing is an important component of health and well-being for many American Indian people and communities. For years, Tribal and Urban Indian partners have advocated for state and federal policies that recognize and support these culturally grounded practices. Last week, Minnesota took an important step toward that goal by submitting an 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver request to expand Medicaid coverage for Traditional Healing for American Indian communities.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is committed to addressing health disparities and improving access to services that are culturally responsive and meaningful to American Indian communities. In 2024, DHS published Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid: Improving the Health and Opportunity of American Indians in Minnesota, a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to poor health outcomes among Minnesota’s American Indian population. The report incorporated data, input from people directly affected, and in partnership with American Indian communities. Its primary recommendation was to seek Medicaid funding for Traditional Healing.
Following strong advocacy from Tribal and Urban Indian partners, the 2025 Minnesota Legislature authorized the department to apply for a Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver to cover Traditional Healing as a Medical Assistance service.
On Aug. 14, the department submitted its waiver request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The request is titled “Mino Bimaadiziwin-Wičhózani,” generally translated to mean wellness and good health in the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Dakota (Sioux) languages, respectively.
If approved, the waiver would recognize Traditional Healing as an important option within a broader approach to health care that respects culture, community, and individual choice. Practices could include Sweat Lodges, Talking Circles, Smudging Ceremonies, and other services identified by participating facilities. The proposal would allow facilities to identify the Traditional Healing services they offer and establish processes to ensure Medicaid medical necessity requirements are met.
Continued partnership
Tribal partnership is central to developing an approach to Traditional Healing that is respectful, responsive, and grounded in the knowledge and priorities of American Indian communities. Minnesota recognizes the essential expertise and lived experience that Tribal Nations, Tribal health organizations, Urban Indian health partners, and Traditional Healers bring to this work.
In September 2025, DHS convened a workgroup of Tribal representatives to provide feedback on the waiver application, including its general design and implementation considerations. Moving forward, DHS will continue working closely with partners to inform implementation policies, processes, provider requirements, and other operational details. This collaboration will help ensure the program reflects community perspectives and supports Traditional Healers and the people they serve.
Preparing for implementation
Submission of the waiver begins the federal review process. Federal approval is required before the proposed coverage can take effect, and implementation will also depend on completion of necessary state implementation steps. State law requires Traditional Healing services to be available Jan. 1, 2027, or upon federal approval.
While awaiting federal approval, the Minnesota Department of Human Services is preparing the systems, policies, processes, and partnerships needed to support implementation. This preparation will help Minnesota move efficiently once approval is received and make the transition to coverage as clear and seamless as possible for eligible Minnesotans.
The department will provide additional information as the federal review and implementation processes progress, and will continue engaging Tribal and community partners throughout this work. We appreciate the leadership, advocacy, expertise, and partnership of Minnesota’s Tribal Nations, Tribal health organizations, Urban Indian health partners, and Traditional Healers in advancing this important effort.
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