23 June 2023

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Amerigroup Washington provides $200,000 in scholarships for tribal communities

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Amerigroup Washington, one of the state’s coordinators of Medicaid managed healthcare benefits, presented two $100,000 checks to the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) during its 2023 Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Symposium in Spokane.

According to a news release, the funds will support and expand NPAIHB’s Behavioral Health Aide Program and its Dental Health Aide Program by creating scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people who will serve within their Tribal communities.

Through these programs, BHAs and DHAs will increase access to high quality, culturally appropriate healthcare that reduces Tribal health disparities and allows Tribal communities to thrive in a way intended by their ancestors.

Anthony E. Woods, president of Amerigroup Washington, said in the news release that the company supports solutions that promote health equity by meeting the unique needs of diverse populations.

“We have been working with Tribal partners to increase access to culturally responsive healthcare for many years now, and we have seen the positive impacts of Community Health Aide Programs," he said. "The services provided by BHAs and DHAS, through these programs, have the power to transform lives, so we are proud to continue and step-up our supports, which ensure access to critically needed care in our AI/AN communities.”

In 1972, the NPAIHB was established to help eliminate health disparities and improve quality of life for AI/AN communities across Washington, Oregon and Idaho by ensuring access to culturally appropriate, high-quality health care. NPAIHB oversees Tribal Community Health Provider Programs that train and expand access to AI/AN healthcare providers and Community Health Aides (CHAs), who understand disparities as well as cultural and traditional tribal practices. These providers and CHAs come from Tribal communities and have the cultural competencies to effectively combine traditional healing practices with modern, Western medicine to meaningfully promote positive health outcomes.

Over the past few years, NPAIHB advisory groups identified alarming trends and emerging dental and behavioral healthcare needs among AI/AN communities, which led to the creation of a Behavioral Health Aide Program and a Dental Health Aide Program. While these programs will eventually be primarily funded by government funds, grants from private organizations, such as Amerigroup, have helped launch the programs and expand efforts to meet escalating needs.

Nick Lewis, Lummi Tribal council member and chairperson of the NPAIHB, said in the news release that NPAIHB’s Community Health Aide Program is creating opportunities to address and offset a long history of inequities that has led to staggering health disparities across Tribal communities.

Amerigroup was the first health plan in Washington to create value-added services that honor traditional healing benefits for its AI/AN members. It employs a dedicated Tribal liaison who communicates with and supports Tribal organizations. Amerigroup is also the first Medicaid managed care organization in Washington to earn a Multicultural Health Care Distincti5on from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This distinction recognizes Amerigroup for excelling in efforts that address the unique needs of racially, ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse populations.

About Amerigroup Washington

Amerigroup Washington helps improve health care access and quality for Washington residents by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and person-centered. Amerigroup Washington provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in improving and managing their health. Through access to health education programs, our members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle.