DDD Tribal Relations
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 CARES Administration and is responsible for helping American Indian/Alaskan Natives navigate the DDD system whether they are applying for or receiving services from DDD. If a DDD-Tribal member becomes eligible for the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS), they can choose between three health plans, including the Tribal Health Plan Program (THP).
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 Program
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:
Pharon Morgan or 928-270-7207