In many parts of Arizona, tribal families live hours from the nearest clinic.
This week, hundreds of tribal leaders, health workers, and partners gathered in Flagstaff for the 12th Annual Tribal Summit hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (Health Choice). The event brought together voices from across the state to help improve care and share ideas.
Each year, the summit offers a space to listen, learn, and build stronger systems of care. It helps spark real-world answers that reflect the unique needs of tribal areas.
Arizona has the third-largest tribal population in the US. Tribal lands make up 28% of the state.
“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 is the AHCCCS-contracted Medicaid plan affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). The plan serves more than 13,000 members from 17 tribal nations.
In addition to the Tribal Summit, the Medicaid team at AZ Blue works year-round to support tribal groups with care that fits their needs and values. This work includes food aid, cultural healing, virtual care, and local outreach. A few ways Health Choice has supported tribal nations this year include:
Emergency Relief and Aid