In Arizona, many tribal families face significant distances to access healthcare services. This week, the 12th Annual Tribal Summit took place in Flagstaff, organized by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (Health Choice). The summit gathered hundreds of tribal leaders, health professionals, and partners from across the state to discuss ways to improve healthcare for tribal communities.
Arizona is home to the third-largest tribal population in the United States, with tribal lands covering 28% of the state. The annual summit provides a forum for participants to share experiences and develop solutions tailored to the needs of these communities.
“For many tribal families, care is about more than health,” said Dr. Heather Carter, Health Choice CEO. “It is about trust, tradition, and being seen. We are proud to walk alongside tribal partners with care that respects culture and meets people where they are.”
Health Choice serves as an AHCCCS-contracted Medicaid plan affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue), providing coverage for over 13,000 members from 17 tribal nations.
Throughout the year, AZ Blue’s Medicaid team works closely with tribal groups on initiatives such as food assistance programs, cultural healing services, telehealth expansion, and local outreach events. For example, in partnership with organizations like Real Hope Inc., Health Choice has distributed food aid to more than 330 families in Whiteriver and Hualapai regions during 2025. In response to wildfires in Northern Arizona, they also helped organize a food drive for affected families.
The Traditional Practitioner Program has been running for eleven years and connects members with more than 70 healers through services such as sweat lodges and talking circles. This program operates in collaboration with the NARBHA Institute.
To address challenges related to travel distance for healthcare access in rural areas, Health Choice has provided secure video accounts and telehealth tools to tribes including Havasupai and Hopi. These resources support remote consultations and care delivery.
Additionally, Health Choice participates in community events such as health fairs statewide. At a recent Moenkopi Health and Wellness Fair, they offered breast cancer screenings using a mobile unit.
More information about these efforts can be found at https://www.azblue.com/health-choice-az/providers/tribal-program.
