Eligibility

• A person of Native American descendency.
• A non-Native American female currently pregnant with a Native American male’s child for the duration of her pregnancy (Including initial pregnancy test) through postpartum (usually 6 weeks).
• A non-Native American residing in a Native American household when services are necessary to control a public health hazard.
• A non-Native American child under the age of 19 who is the adopted child, step-child, foster-child, or legal ward, of an eligible Native American.

The practice of providing care to non-Indians fee-for-service was adopted through Tribal council resolution in 1997 when clinics were upgraded and constructed in two locations where there was no other source of primary ambulatory care for area residents. The implementation of a published fee-scale in 1998 has helped to clarify the expectations of tribal health management in extending this service.

Establish a chart at the facility


Needed Documentation To Open A Chart

• Social Security Card
• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood Card (CDIB) or
• Letter of descendency issued by a federally recognized tribe
• Photo identification
• Current insurance information (Medicaid, Medicare, SoonerCare or private insurance)

For children’s charts this may also include:

• Hospital birth certificate from an Indian Health Service or tribal hospital OR
• Parent’s CDIB card from a federally recognized tribe

It is important for patients to understand that law requires us to collect reimbursement for services from any and all of these sources when available as a means of conserving the funds of the Indian health care entitlement.

 

Make an appointment

Although drop-in patients who have established a medical record with the clinic are accommodated (especially when their complaint is urgent), all patients are encouraged to phone ahead if at all possible so that schedules can be kept for the benefit of all concerned – other patients and providers alike.

Be willing to accept the Rights and Responsibilities

These are published here in previous pages and are also posted in each of the clinics. They inform the patient of management's expectation of the Cherokee Nation Health Service employees; admonish the patients to be informed, and encourage him/her to take an active role in the quality of their own health status.

High quality, basic health care at a cost proportionate to their resources, including tribal affiliation


This means that available patient benefits are determined by tribal affiliation and the present ability of the organization to provide them. Benefits are directly linked to funding, provider qualification, patient cooperation, responsible management practices and tribal, federal, state and local regulation of health care through established law, policy and protocol.

This is a comprehensive health care system. It can not, however, be all things to all people. Certain types of specialty care are reserved for those who have a greater need and/or who are most clearly entitled by tribal affiliation. As a voting citizen of the Cherokee Nation and of the United States (whose policies on Indian issues have the greater influence on the development of public resources), be informed. Ask questions at the clinics and hospitals, and at your Tribal Council meetings. Understand how your contribution to this system helps to maintain the services it provides.