Having access to medical care is essential for a healthy and happy life for you and your family. You might have this through the Indian Health Service (IHS). However, if you need a referral or need to go to a hospital, that is where IHS coverage ends for most local native patients. This can leave you with unnecessary medical bills. Having backup insurance can help protect you and your family while also widening the net of care available to you and your community.
Why should I get another insurance if I have IHS coverage?
If you are American Indian or Alaskan Native, you may be entitled to no-cost healthcare through the Indian Health Service (IHS). This covers services at Tribal Health Centers like Chapa-De Indian Health where you can meet with your primary care provider, receive dental care, and more. However, there is more than one reason why you should have backup insurance.
For You & Your Family
At the base of it, the Indian Health Service provides services through its own facilities and affiliations. This means that their coverage usually only extends to Indian Health Service clinics and hospitals, and to contracted tribal health programs. To receive your IHS benefits, you typically have to go to an IHS facility. Your health insurance payments can also help support additional benefits and programs that are not funded by IHS, such as substance use disorder services, the pharmacy, optometry services, maternity care, medical lab work, orthodontic, and more.
For Emergencies
Emergencies can happen any time and if you need to go to the emergency department, you can be left with that full bill. Backup insurance helps cover that cost so you don’t have to.
For Your Community
There is never enough government funding to make sure that everyone covered under the IHS gets all the care they need. It can also change every year. By allowing us to bill your insurance, we can continue the programs that help improve access to important health care to those in our communities who otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach those services.
Please be assured, verified Native patients who allow Chapa-De to bill their insurance do not have to pay any co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance like they do at non-IHS facilities.
I am covered by the IHS, but I don’t have other insurance. What can I do?
If you don’t receive insurance through your work or tribe, many American Indians and Alaskan Natives may qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal or a reduced-cost plan through Covered California that widens your access to health care. Natives can receive financial assistance with higher income guidelines. This means that you can have a higher income and still be considered for the same benefits as if you made less. Members of federally recognized tribes have monthly open enrollment, meaning that they have more opportunities to enroll and change their Covered California plans unlike the general population that has a yearly enrollment.
At Chapa-De, we have Care Coordinators who are certified Covered California and Medi-Cal counselors. Chapa-De Community Health Representative, Sami Enos is one such expert who can help get you and your family covered through the best program for you. Get started by giving Sami a call at 530-863-4682.
Additional Resources:
Program Eligibility Chart | Financial Help for American Indians and Alaskan Natives | Covered California for American Indians
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
