Overview:
An Oklahoma tribe launched a first-of-its kind Medicare plan.
The Muskogee Creek Nation announced last week the launch of Native Advantage, the first and only Medicare Advantage plan owned by a tribal nation.
The plan is not restricted to Tribal members; it is open to all individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B living within the Muskogee Creek reservation, which spans more than 4,500 square miles across eight counties.
Native Advantage bundles Part A and Part B coverage and includes additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and wellness services. Other benefits can include expanded dental and vision services and medical transportation rides.
“Native Advantage 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,” Principal Chief David Hill said at an Oct. 15 press conference held at the Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare complex. “This new plan is another step forward in fulfilling our responsibility to care for our citizens and invest in healthier, stronger communities for generations to come.”
Muskogee Creek Nation Secretary of Health Shawn Terry explained the plan allows Native people on Medicare to access providers within the Tribal healthcare system.
“What really sparked this as a concept was that many of the national Medicare Advantage plans were keeping our patients and our citizens away from our own facilities. They were moving them away from their own doctors. We couldn’t let that continue,” Terry said at the press conference.
