Press release - Justice for natives
- Justice For Natives
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
JUSTICE FOR NATIVES
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Justice For Natives Calls for Comprehensive Investigation into Medicaid Fraud Impacting Indigenous Communities.
Phoenix, AZ – February 21, 2025 – Justice For Natives, a grassroots advocacy organization, is calling for a full-scale investigation into the Medicaid fraud scandal that has exploited thousands of Indigenous people across Arizona. The widespread fraudulent billing of the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) has defrauded taxpayers of an estimated $2.8 billion, depriving Native communities of essential healthcare services and leaving families in crisis.
In recent years, fraudulent treatment centers and unlicensed behavioral health providers have systematically enrolled Native American individuals into non-existent or substandard services, using them as financial pawns in a multimillion-dollar Medicaid scam. While Arizona state officials have begun cracking down on these operations, the full scope of the corruption, along with potential insider collusion and government negligence, remains largely
unexamined.
“This is more than just a financial crime—it’s a human rights violation against Indigenous communities,” said a spokesperson for Justice For Natives. “We demand a full and independent investigation into not only the fraudulent providers but also the government agencies and officials who failed to protect the people they serve.”
Key Facts:
● Financial Impact: The fraudulent activities have resulted in an estimated loss of $2.8 billion in taxpayer funds.
● Human Toll: Approximately 2,000 Native Americans either died or went missing in connection with the fraudulent sober living home scam.
● Provider Suspensions: As of September 30, 2024, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has issued 257 payment suspensions to providers with credible allegations of fraud.
● Community Impact: The suspension of numerous behavioral health providers has left many
patients homeless and without necessary treatment services.
“This crisis extends beyond Indigenous communities—it is a clear example of government waste, corruption, and a system designed to protect criminals over vulnerable citizens,” the spokesperson added.
Public and Media Involvement:
Justice For Natives is calling on investigative journalists, policymakers, and advocacy groups to amplify this issue and demand answers. To learn more or to report firsthand experiences related to the Medicaid fraud crisis, visit www.JusticeForNatives.com or follow us on Social Media @justicefornatives.
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