Communities
Muscogee Nation's Native Advantage plan opens enrollment as the first tribally owned Medicare Advantage option
Medicare beneficiaries in 11 Oklahoma counties can sign up from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 and tribal citizenship is not required to join the Muscogee Nation plan.
The Muscogee Nation has opened enrollment for Native Advantage, an HMO that the tribe describes as the first tribally owned Medicare Advantage plan. Sign-up runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 for coverage in the coming year.
Who can join
People need to have both Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan's service area. The area covers Creek, Hughes, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa and Wagoner counties in Oklahoma.
Tribal citizenship is not required. Any eligible Medicare beneficiary in those counties may enroll.
Why it matters
Tribal nations have long run their own clinics and hospitals. A plan owned by a tribe lets a nation shape coverage and keep health dollars close to the community it serves. Leaders hope it will improve access for elders who often travel long distances for care.
How to sign up
Seniors can enroll online or call 1-888-544-0338 for help. Health counselors recommend comparing the plan's doctor network and prescription coverage with any plan they have now before making a switch. Anyone who is happy with their current plan can stay with it.
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