MN DHS Medicaid Can Improve Health Equity for American Indian Communities
MN-DHS issued a report on Monday that offers “reflection, guidance, and recommendations for action” to better use Medicaid to support the health and well-being of American Indian communities.
“Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid: Improving the Health and Opportunity of American Indians in Minnesota” aims to address the ongoing health disparities experienced by American Indian communities in the state.
The report was co-created with community leaders, including Native American Community Clinic’s (NACC) Dr. Antony Stately. (Thank you, Dr. Stately!!)
The report has three main calls for action:
Invest in traditional healing
Reframe definitions of health and well-being
Establish a Pathways to American Indian and Tribal Health Integration Team
DHS will immediately implement the report’s recommendations, working closely with American Indian communities.
The report is DHS’ second report exploring how Medicaid can reduce health disparities. In 2022, DHS released a similar report focusing on US-born Black Minnesotans.
