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DDD Tribal Relations

Native American Heritage Month

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES or Department) works to strengthen and build strong relationships with Arizona’s 22 Sovereign Tribes. The Department is committed to working with American Indian Tribes to improve the quality, availability, and accessibility of human services to children, youth, and adults. The Division of Developmental Disabilities has a full time Tribal Liaison who works out of the DES Office of Tribal Relations and is responsible for helping American Indian/Alaskan Natives navigate the DDD system whether they are applying for or receiving services from DDD.

DDD Tribal Liaison

To ensure constant communication and contact with the 22 Tribes, the role of the DDD Tribal Liaison is to:

  • Conduct tribal outreach and engagement and serve as a representative of DDD.
  • Provide Divisional/Programmatic information and updates
  • Provide technical assistance to Tribal Social Services

The liaison provides feedback to the Tribal Relations Manager so issues can be addressed and resolved for tribal members.

The Tribal Liaisons can assist with individual cases involving tribal members. These cases could include: feedback/complaints, assistance with program eligibility, navigation of programming, and streamlining communication between tribal members and DES staff.

Separate presentations can also be requested outside the regularly scheduled Tribal Consultations/Informational Sessions and Tribal Informational Forums should members need additional information.

Contact the DDD Tribal Liaison

Annette Yazzie
Phone: 480-904-3965

DDD Tribal Health Team

The Division of Developmental Disabilities, through a contract with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), offers health care coverage to DDD members who are eligible for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). This coverage includes physical health services, behavioral health services, Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) and limited Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Mercy Care and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHCCP) are subcontracted to provide the DDD Health Plans. However, American Indians/Alaska Natives can choose to receive services through the DDD Tribal Health Program (THP), which is a fee-for-service program. The Tribal Health Program was formerly known as the American Indian Health Plan (AIHP). At any time, American Indian/Alaska Native members can receive physical and behavioral health services from any Indian Health Service (IHS) provider or tribally owned/operated (638) facility without prior approval.

All LTSS are provided by DDD contracted qualified vendors and specialty contractors except nursing facilities, emergency alert system services and habilitative physical therapy for members age twenty-one (21) and over. These three LTSS will be provided by the member's DDD Health Plan or through THP providers with the exception of habilitative services, those are covered by DDD, not THP.

Send General THP inquiries. For tribal health care related questions contact:

Additional Resources

Member Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  1. How do I find a qualified placement/provider/vendor near me?
    THP members can find a physical or behavioral health provider near them using the provider search on the AHCCCS website or by calling member services at 1-844-770-9500 ext. 7.

    THP members can find a home and community based services provider near them using the provider search on the DDD website or by calling member services at 1-844-770-9500 ext. 7.

Tribal Health Program (THP) Name Change Questions

  1. What is the DDD-Tribal Health Program (THP) and who does it serve?
    The DDD-Tribal Health Program (THP) was previously known as the DDD-American Indian Health Plan. It is a fee for service program administered by DDD for DDD and ALTCS eligible American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). THP pays for physical and behavioral health services. These services can be provided by:
    •    AHCCCS registered providers
    •    Indian Health Services (IHS)
    •    Tribally owned or operated organizations (638 programs/facilities)
    •    Urban Indian Health Centers

  2. Will the name change impact my services?
    No. DDD Tribal Health Program members will continue to have access to the same services and providers.

  3. How can DDD THP members receive help to make appointments with providers?
    The AHCCCS Provider Directory can be searched by specialty or location. Support Coordinators can assist members to identify an AHCCCS registered provider.

  4. What is the difference between a Fee-For-Service program and Managed Care?
    A fee-for-service program allows American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) members to use any AHCCCS registered provider who accepts AHCCCS fee-for-service rates. A Managed Care plan has a network of providers. This network must be used to receive covered services. The DDD Health Plans offered by Mercy Care and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan are managed care plans. AI/AN members have the choice to select the option that works best for them.

Behavioral Health Questions

  1. If a DDD AI/AN member has a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) designation, what plan options does the member have?
    A DDD AI/AN member with an SMI designation has 4 enrollment options as shown below:

OPTION PH CRS* BH/SMI
1 MCO MCO MCO
2 MCO MCO TRBHA
3 THP THP TRBHA
4 THP THP THP

PH = Physical Healthcare
* = If Eligible
BH/SMI = Behavioral Health/Serious Mental Illness

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