Medicaid Matters
Medicaid allows healthcare organizations, such as YKHC, to provide services our customers rely on to keep themselves and their families healthy.
From Kotlik to Quinhagak, from Stony River to Scammon Bay, in Bethel and across the YK Region and the State, individuals and families depend on Medicaid.
Indian Health Service (IHS) funding covers the costs of only the most basic medical care for Alaska Native residents. However, if qualified residents are enrolled in Medicaid, YKHC can receive reimbursement from Medicaid for these services—funds that go directly back into our health care system. This allows us to provide additional services customers rely on, such as more dental care, preventative cancer screenings, provider visits to villages, patient flights to Bethel and more.
More than 30% of YKHC’s budget is provided by Medicaid. Almost three of every four residents in the YK Region qualify for Medicaid.
If Medicaid funding decreased:
- IHS funding will not increase. YKHC will be forced to reduce the services we offer.
- Access to all types of healthcare our customers rely on will decrease. IHS funding is limited and chronically underfunded by tens of billions of dollars
- Jobs and local economies will suffer.
- Less funds will be available to support our most vulnerable.
Whether you are currently enrolled in Medicaid or not, Medicaid matters – to all of us. Learn more below.
Call your legislators and let them know Medicaid matters to you!
If Medicaid is important to you and your family, let our elected representatives know. Ask them to fully fund the Medicaid program, reject any cuts, and make no changes to the eligibility requirements or types of covered services.
- Senator Lisa Murkowski — 202-224-6665
- Senator Dan Sullivan — 202-224-3004
- Congressman Nick Begich — 202-225-5765
Medicaid at YKHC
Contact: 833-543-6625 (option 4) | Apply for Medicaid Online: State of Alaska Online Portal
Why Medicaid Matters
Medicaid Keeps Us Healthier
- Medicaid funds allow us to expand services, such as preventative care, dental services, provider visits to villages, patient travel, and many other services that cannot be covered by IHS funding alone.
- Medicaid helps provide preventative care and cancer screenings that keep patients healthier.
- When people receive preventative healthcare, they can treat problems earlier which lead to better health outcomes, less chronic care needs and fewer costly emergency room visits and late-stage treatments. This reduces healthcare costs for all.
Medicaid Creates Jobs
- Medicaid creates jobs and supports our economy.
- Cuts to Medicaid would reduce the demand for nurses, medical assistants, support staff, administrative and billing professionals, travel service workers and many other healthcare and travel related jobs in our region.
- The healthcare industry is Alaska’s largest employer, with healthcare jobs making up 11% of Alaska’s jobs. The industry pays over $3.4 billion in direct wages annually and has a total income impact of $5 billion.
Medicaid Supports Our Most Vulnerable
- The YK Elders Home, which allows elders who need skilled nursing support to stay in our community, is supported by Medicaid payments.
- Medicaid helps pay for well-child exams and other services that give our littlest ones a healthy start to life.
- Individuals with disabilities can receive a full range of support services through Medicaid, including medical equipment and long-term services and support.
Alaskans Depend on Medicaid
- Nearly 250,000 Alaskans currently rely on Medicaid to provide services and care, including low-income families, elders, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
- People experiencing short-term financial stress can get healthcare through Medicaid until they get back on their feet. Hard-working families who cannot afford private insurance can access critical healthcare through Medicaid.
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