Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
As written in its treaties with tribes, the United States government provides health care to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the federal agency that delivers most directly on this treaty obligation. However, the federal government also uses Medicaid ("Apple Health" in Washington State) to provide significant funding to tribal health clinics. Having their members enrolled in Apple Health increases tribal clinics' financial resources, which can improve services for their clients.
Apple Health covers dental care as well as physical and behavioral health care. You will not have to pay copayments, deductibles, or other upfront costs when you visit a doctor.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each, depending on your individual circumstances. Tribal health clinic staff are very familiar with these options and can help you make this choice. You (or your tribe as your authorized representative) can make this choice in Washington Healthplanfinder.
American Indians and Alaska Natives do not have to sign up for Apple Health or purchase health insurance.
Apply for an exemption if you don't want to purchase Apple Health or other insurance.
Email: Aren Sparck, Tribal Affairs administrator
Phone: 360-725-1649
Email: Michael Longnecker, operations and compliance manager
Phone: 360-725-1315