Ready for Reform!

Port Gamble S’Klallam TribeWashington State on the pleasant side of the Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula with treaty rights stretching to the Olympic Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and Canada

Ed FoxHealth Director Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

Tribal Sponsorship of health insuranceOne key aspect of health care reform will allow tribes to pay premiums for the health care insurance of its community members.The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe has many years of experience in doing just that through the Basic Health Plan and Medicare Part B and D.We assist tribal members in understanding their choices for Medicare Part D and Medicaid.Over 10 years of ‘sponsorship’ of experience assisting individuals and families and that may continue under the health exchange’s Qualified Health Plans-especially if those plans allow our health program to be the medical home for our patients in their plans (with referrals to their network of providers).

Ready for Reform Initiative began 20 months ago,

February 1 2012.

Tribal Sponsorship Program

Vision of the Program: To Connect Tribal Members and their families to the health insurance coverage that is most appropriate for them and the health services department program.

Timeline and History of the Tribal

Sponsorship ProgramThe TSP developed between February 2012 and October 2013.Historical information and review of the PGST Tribal/ State Basic Health Program. PGST was a leader in Basic Health with the 3rd largest Tribal program, 150 of the approximately 1,000 tribal members (2011) were sponsored by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.In January 2010 Basic Health became Medicaid Expansion under the WA State Bridge Waiver. In 2010 premiums were no longer required as Medicaid expanded to 133% of the federal poverty level and the state-funded Basic Health ended and became a Medicaid Waiver Program-childless adults, but same asset and resource tests.Our experience with Basic Health developed policies and procedures, which brought health insurance to 150 community members.  We have a great deal of experience with the issues raised by an insurance payment program.PGST has worked on (a now a twelve year) Tribal Community Service State Pilot Project program that allowed us to determine eligibility, verify income and enroll in Medicaid.

Eligibility, - Uninsured Eligible

Eligibility (subject to change) is similar to Contract Health Services eligibility, but restricted to Port Gamble S’Klallam Trial Members and their families.All uninsured Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Tribal members living in Kitsap County are potentially eligible for sponsorship in the same manner as they are for Contract Health ServicesYou can’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance and access Exchange plan and subsidies.

This means many spouses dependents won’t be eligible even if uninsured- as they are expected to access employer plan.CHS will have funds available for their health care needs if CHS –eligible-that does not change.

Income Levels

Eligibility for Sponsorship

1. Currently CHS eligible2. Eligible for Tax Credits in the Exchange/Marketplace3. Under 300% of federal poverty level or insurance premiums is 50% of actual cost (with reduction due to tax credit).

Key Income Level is 300% FPL No deductiblesNo copays

Bronze level has lowest ratesBecause it has highest Deductibles

AIANs eligible for Exchange who under 300% on average save over $2,000 with Bronze plan

Bronze is cheaper because there is higher cost sharing

Alignment with 4 Key elements of Health Care

Reform1. Medicaid Expansion2. Health Insurance Exchange 3. Health Insurance Market Reforms

No pre-existing conditions for all in 2014

4. Cost Control (Payment and Delivery Reform)• Quality Improvement, Information Technology

Managing chronic conditions sharing health information with specialists.

Refine eligibility and enrollment

Pilot Project for Medicaid/CHIP eligibility and enrollment we already have the nation’s best Tribal effort to determine eligibility and enroll our patients in health care plans in a way that is sensitive to the unique federal responsibility for health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. We also participate in the Medicaid Administrative Match program (the first in the nation since 1999) to recoup some of the costs associated with this activity. Over $100,000 to tribe every year, but declining in recent years.MAM will be key to paying for Medicaid enrollment, pays ½ cost.Tribal Assister’s and Navigator programs may provide some financial assistance.

6 Elements of Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s

readinessStaffing: Support current monitor need for additionalOutreach and Education on Health Care reform tied to our Eligibility and Enrollment capacityMake the Accounting system produce needed information for decision making-which option--- buy insurance or buy ‘risk’Continue to pay for health insurance and prepare for expansion of sponsorshipElectronic Health Record system enhancement to support innovation in care managementWork with other Tribes through other organizations.

205,000 AIANs = $1 billion

Navajo Language Star Wars