Health / brief
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Launches Native Advantage Medicare Plan
The Nation's Medicare Advantage plan opened enrollment Oct. 15 for eligible residents of 11 Oklahoma counties, including people who are not Tribal citizens.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation announced Native Advantage at an Oct. 15 news conference at its Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare complex in Tulsa, according to MVSKOKE Media. The Nation-owned Medicare Advantage plan is open to Medicare-eligible residents in 11 Oklahoma counties regardless of Tribal citizenship, the outlet reported.
Principal Chief David Hill said the plan "reflects years of hard work, planning, and collaboration to create more healthcare choices and better access to services for Medicare eligible individuals across our communities." MVSKOKE Media describes Native Advantage as the first and only Tribally owned Medicare Advantage plan in the country.
The listed service area covers Creek, Hughes, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. Applicants must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, MVSKOKE Media says. It describes an HMO plan that bundles those benefits with prescription drug coverage, preventive care and wellness services; other benefits can include dental and vision services and medical transportation.
Secretary of Health Shawn Terry said existing national Medicare Advantage plans had moved some patients away from the Nation's facilities and doctors. "We couldn't let that continue," he told MVSKOKE Media. The outlet says the Nation established Native Advantage Inc. through National Council legislation NCA 26-022 on Jan. 31. It reports that Lucian Tiger III sponsored the measure, which passed 15-0, and that a board oversees the company subject to National Council approval.
Open enrollment began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, MVSKOKE Media reported. The outlet lists (800) 544-0338 for eligibility and enrollment information.