The New Mexico Naat’aanii IMCE Program Improving Access & Outcomes for the State’s American Indians / Alaska Natives

9/23/2019

Project Background For more than a decade, the Navajo Nation has passionately pursued the implementation of a Navajo Nation administered Medicaid program for its people. A series of state and federal policies over the years have provided prime foundation for this opportunity, particularly in New Mexico. In 2009, Congress passed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) that amended Medicaid laws to allow for Indian Managed Care Entities (IMCEs) that are controlled by tribes and tribal entities. ARRA also offered American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) enrollees and providers greater protections in Medicaid and CHIP.