Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you find some of the answers you are looking for about The American Indian Health Service of Chicago in the questions an answers below. shoul dyou have additional questions, feel free to call 773-883-9100 or contact us here.
I am part Native American, am I eligible for health benefits from The American Indian Health Service of Chicago?
I am not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, but my mother/grandparent/relative was. Will that make me eligible for health benefits from The American Indian Health Service of Chicago?
The IHS Indian Health Manual (IHM) provides the exact policy concerning eligibility. (Partially sourced from: www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq/)
I am not Native American, can I receive care from The American Indian Health Service of Chicago?
Our medical clinic serves the local Chicago community from all backgrounds. We accept most major insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. We also offer sliding scale fees, which are available upon request.
Our Behavioral Health services and select programs and benefits are only for the Native American/Alaska Native community. This is due to our funding sources.
What is a federally recognized tribe?
A federally recognized tribe is an American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity that is recognized as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States, with the responsibilities, powers, limitations, and obligations attached to that designation, and is eligible for funding and services from the Indian Health Service & Bureau of Indian Affairs . Furthermore, federally recognized tribes are recognized as possessing certain inherent rights of self-government (i.e., tribal sovereignty) and are entitled to receive certain federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States. At present, there are 573 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages. (Partially sourced from www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq)
How do I find contact information for the federally recognized tribes?
Where can I get an application for health care benefits?
To receive health care benefits, you should contact The American Indian Health Service of Chicago and be prepared to present in person and present proof of your enrollment as a member of a federally recognized tribe in-person at your first appointment. (See the Indian Health Manual, Part 2—Services to Indians and Others, Chapter 6—Patient Registration System for specific information).
You will need additional paperwork completed before your first scheduled appointment as well. Visit aihschgo.org/new-patients for more details.
(Partially sourced from: www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq/)
I was receiving my health care in an Indian Health Service facility on my home reservation. I am now working in an urban area far from home. Where can I go to receive health care from IHS?
While residing on your home reservation the Indian Health Service (IHS) eligibility provided health care coverage for both 1) direct care services and 2) Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) formerly contract health services (CHS). The PRC services coverage extends 180 days from the date you move from your reservation/CHSDA. On the 181st day, the eligibility for IHS direct care services is the only health care that continues at any IHS facility that you present yourself. PRC coverage continues when residency is established on another reservation. You will have to establish a new chart at new IHS facility in the new location.<p><p>
Two types of services are provided by the IHS: (1) Direct health care services, which are provided by an IHS facility, or (2) PRC, which are provided by a non-IHS facility or provider through contracts with the IHS. PRC are provided principally for members of federally recognized tribes who reside on or near the reservation established for the local tribe(s) in geographic areas called contract health service delivery areas (CHSDAs). The eligibility requirements are stricter for PRCthan they are for direct care.<p><p>
A member of a Federally recognized tribe may obtain care at any IHS hospital or clinic if the facility has the staff and capability to provide the medical care. One of the additional requirements for PRC is that the patient must reside in certain areas. One way to meet the residency requirement is to live on the reservation of any Federally recognized tribe. Another way to meet the residency requirement is to reside within the Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) for the patient’s tribe.<p><p>
Many, or even most, people who move away from their home reservations are not eligible for PRC since they would be moving away from the PRCDA in which they have eligibility. Check with your home or local Service Unit about eligibility, since they will be the ones making all determinations and paying bills for approved care. Most PRC provided is for urgent or emergency needs, as defined by the local service unit, and requires prior approval for non-emergency care and notification within 72 hours for emergency care.<p><p>
Some programs or portions of programs are tribally operated instead of being operated by the Federal Government through the IHS. Some tribally operated hospitals or clinics restrict services to members of their own tribe. Consequently, just because a patient is a member of a Federally recognized tribe does not mean that they will be provided medical care at a tribally operated hospital or clinic.
To locating IHS/Tribal/Urban health care facilites use the IHS website: Find Health Care. The Find Health Care locator will identify the facility name, address, contact number, and directions. Note: Before traveling to any facility listed on the website, call to ensure that the services needed can be provided to you.
I am eligible for health care from the Indian Health Service, but The American Indian Health Service of Chicago will not pay for the care that I need? Why?
Direct health care services are services provided at an IHS/Tribal/Urban facilities/Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) are services that the IHS is unable to provide in its own facilities. PRC are provided by non-IHS health care providers and facilities. PRC payments are authorized based on clearly defined guidelines and are subject to availability of funds. The Indian Health Service cannot always guarantee that funds are always available. Funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress currently cover an estimated 60% of health care needs of the eligible American Indian and Alaska Native people.
Unfortunately, that means that services obtained under PRC must be prioritized, with life-threatening illnesses or injuries being given highest priority. The patient medical referral is reviewed by PRC to determine if the medical need is within the available funding at that time. It also means that the IHS formulary (the list of drugs and medicines available from IHS pharmacies) may not include all drugs and medicines, but will include most of the ones that have proven to be beneficial and cost-effective.
(Partially sourced from www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq)
Am I required to get my prescriptions filled through an IHS pharmacy?
Your prescriber will enter the medication in your medical record even if the medication is filled at another pharmacy. This keeps the your medication list up to date and prevents medication related errors. Please note that unless there are special circumstances, the patient will be expected to cover the costs of the medication filled by a non-IHS pharmacy.
(Partially sourced from www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq)
Am I required to get my prescriptions filled through an IHS pharmacy?
The American Indian Health Service of Chicago does not carry out genealogical research, nor does the Indian Health Service. However, you may find general information about tracing American Indian/Alaska Native ancestry to a federally recognized tribe. A good place to start is by downloading the Guide to Tracing Your American Indian Ancestry which gives valuable information on the process.
(Partially sourced from www.ihs.gov/forpatients/faq)
