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 12^th 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

• They work with groups like Real Hope Inc. to bring resources to tribal families. So far in 2025, they have given food to more than 330 families in the Whiteriver and Hualapai regions. 
• In response to wildfires in Northern Arizona, they have helped lead a food drive for tribal and nearby families. 

• The Traditional Practitioner Program, now in its eleventh year, offers members access to healing grounded in tribal nations.  
• Offered in partnership with the NARBHA Institute, the program connects members to more than 70 healers. Services include sweat lodges, talking circles, and other cultural care.  

• Long travel times are a concern for many patients in rural areas. To help people get care, Health Choice has provided secure video accounts and tools to the Havasupai and Hopi tribes. This support helps the tribe in delivering quality telehealth services to members. 

• They take part in local events and health fairs to expand outreach and screenings across the state. Recently, they joined the Moenkopi Health and Wellness Fair, offering breast cancer screenings through a mobile unit.