The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes passed a resolution supporting the protection of Medicaid expansion and tribal healthcare systems during its quarterly meeting on April 10 at WinStar World Casino and Resort.
The resolution underscores the vital role Medicaid expansion has played in strengthening tribal health systems across Oklahoma.
“Medicaid expansion has enabled tribal health systems to reinvest third-party revenue into expanded services, workforce development, modern facilities, and partnerships with higher education institutions to train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” the resolution stated.
The council further emphasized its commitment to preserving and enhancing access to care, stating its support for “maintaining and strengthening Medicaid expansion to ensure continued access to healthcare for all tribal citizens in Oklahoma.”
In addition, the resolution calls for “continued collaboration between tribal nations and the State of Oklahoma to ensure healthcare policies reflect the needs of all communities.”
Rear Adm. Travis Watts, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation and area director for the Indian Health Service Oklahoma City Area, addressed tribal leaders during the meeting, praising the strength and resilience of tribal healthcare systems.
“You run a world class health system,” Watts said.
Reflecting on the historical challenges faced by tribal nations, Watts added, “Not many years ago there was forced relocation into a part of the United States that was considered unsettled, uninhabitable. That’s why we were brought here, and yet today you can thrive.”
Watts, who began his career with the Indian Health Service in 1989, announced plans to retire later this year.
In total, the Inter-Tribal Council unanimously passed 10 resolutions at the meeting, addressing a range of priorities from workforce development and housing to environmental protections and veteran services. Among them was Resolution 26-10, formally expressing support for protecting Medicaid expansion and tribal healthcare systems in Oklahoma.
Other resolutions included opposition to proposed changes to Oklahoma’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act state plan, support for the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, and advocacy for increased funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
The council also passed resolutions encouraging expanded access to nutritional assistance for children, supporting Native veterans’ services, and backing further research into treatments for addiction and trauma-related disorders.