March 15, 2009
Contract Health Care: How to access care outside of our region
By Tiffany Zulkosky, YKHC Public Relations
Did you know that as an Indian Health Service (IHS) beneficiary, you can receive services outside of the region and the state at no cost?
The Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Contract Health Care can help identify and pay for health care received at non-IHS facilities. However, you must understand the process of how to access those benefits.
Short to Mid-term Traveling
Contact YKHC prior to traveling out of state. There may be IHS facilities near your destination. Informational cards about Contract Health Care are available at the Community Relations desk in the lobby of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital.
Should you get hurt or wind up in the emergency room during your travels, contact Contract Health Care, 1-800-478-1636, within 72 hours. If you plan to receive care while you’re away, including dental or non-emergent health services, authorization must be given prior to the treatment for coverage.
College Students
IHS beneficiaries who plan to attend college out of state should contact Contract Health Care prior to leaving the state. Students, remember to bring along your Certificate of Indian Blood, or CIB Card, issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Students must get prior authorization from Contract Health before receiving services. Those who have received prior authorization will receive full coverage while at school, including care given at non-IHS facilities.
Relocating outside of Alaska
IHS beneficiaries who move permanently to the lower 48 must contact Contract Health Care to identify the location of the nearest IHS facility. If no IHS facility is near your new residence, Contract Health will cover health care costs for up to six months. If you will be receiving care at IHS facilities, do not forget to bring along your CIB Card to access care. Contract Health does not pay for all services. The best way to know what is covered, and what isn’t, is to call Contract Health for approval before services are given.
Receiving care at non-IHS Facilities in Anchorage
If a physician in Bethel does not get authorization from an ANMC physician to transfer a patient to a private facility in Anchorage, such as Providence or Alaska Regional, Contract Health Care will not cover the expenses. Be sure to ask your provider if he or she has contacted ANMC regarding you, or a family member, receiving a referral to a non-IHS facility in Anchorage.
Home Health Care Expenses
If a patient is seen at ANMC in Anchorage and elects to go home for care, such as kidney dialysis in the home, supplies are not covered by Contract Health Care. Be sure to ask what supplies may or may not be covered.
Contract Health Care is a payer of last resort. All bills need to be paid for first by your insurance company, Medicaid, or Denali Kid Care.
For more information, or if you have any questions, contact ANMC’s Contract Health Care at 1-800-478-1636.
