Presentation Dates Left for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation – October 17th – 25th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2013

Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Media Release

OKMULGEE – In March 2010, the President of the United States signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. This health reform law requires most of the uninsured American population to obtain health insurance coverage or else pay a tax penalty. The enrollment will begin for patients on October 1st, 2013 with the coverage starting January 1, 2014. Although most Americans are required to enroll for a health care coverage, there are special provisions and exemptions for American Indian and Alaska Natives.

Special Provisions for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)

• Members of Indian tribes are exempt from the responsibility of enrolling in a Health Insurance through the Marketplace, although, there are steps to be taken to be considered exempt.

• AI/ANs with household incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level who are enrolled in a Health Insurance offered through the Marketplace Exchange will not have to pay any cost-sharing (co-pays or deductibles).

• If an AI/AN is enrolled in a Marketplace Health Insurance and receives services directly from the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization or through the Contract Health Service program, the individual will not have to pay any cost sharing for those services.

• Exchanges are to provide special monthly enrollment periods for AI/ANs.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health will host presentations on the Affordable Care Act at many Muscogee (Creek) Nation Community Centers. Make arrangements to attend this very informative presentation as dates at local community centers are currently being scheduled. Locations, dates, and details will soon be available. If you would
like more information about the Affordable Care Act, please go to www.healthcare.gov or you can call the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health and request to speak with LCDR Amy Eden at (918) 756-4333 extension 315.

Listed below, you find the dates and times for each community that will host the ACA presentations.

October 1st – Duck Creek Indian Community at 7:00 pm
October 8th – Glenpool Indian Community at 6:30 pm
October 9th – Dewar Indian Community at Noon (during lunch)
October 14th – Checotah Indian Community at 6:00 pm
October 15th – Bristow Indian Community at 7:00 pm
October 17th – Holdenville Indian Community at 6:30 pm
October 21st – Okemah Indian Community at 7:00 pm
October 24th – Eufaula Indian Community at 6:00 pm
October 25th – Wetumka Indian Community at Noon (during lunch)