The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has launched Native Advantage, a Medicare Advantage HMO the Nation owns through a subsidiary, Native Advantage, Inc. The plan calls itself the only tribally owned Medicare Advantage plan in the United States.

Principal Chief David Hill announced the plan October 15 at the Nation’s Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare Center in Tulsa, according to KJRH. That was also the first day of Medicare’s annual open enrollment, which runs through December 7.

Who can enroll

Tribal citizenship isn’t required. According to the plan’s website, two things qualify a person: being enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and living in one of 11 counties: Creek, Hughes, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa and Wagoner.

Why the Nation built it

Secretary of Health Shawn Terry said national Medicare Advantage plans were pulling Native patients away from the Nation’s own clinics and doctors. “Many of the national Medicare Advantage plans were keeping our patients and our citizens away from our own facilities,” Terry told Native News Online.

Terry told KJRH that those plans “have made it sometimes difficult for our seniors to know who are their providers,” and that “at the end of the day they won’t approve their referrals.” News On 6 reported that many local providers fall outside some national plans’ networks.

“Native Advantage reflects years of hard work, planning, and collaboration to create more healthcare choices.”

Principal Chief David Hill, to Native News Online

What the plan offers

The plan’s website lists:

• $0 monthly premium, covering Part C and Part D together
• $0 primary care visits, with no limit on visits
• $0 Tier 1 prescriptions (preferred generics)
• $1,250 a year for dental and $200 a year for eyewear
• Up to $70 every three months for over-the-counter and healthy food items
• 24 free rides a year to the doctor, pharmacy or lab, with no referral needed

The plan’s site also notes that enrollment “depends on annual contract renewal,” the standard condition for Medicare Advantage plans.

Who runs it

The National Council voted 15–0 on January 31, 2026, to pass NCA 26-022, which authorized the Principal Chief to file articles of incorporation forming Native Advantage, Inc. under Muscogee (Creek) Nation law and approved the company’s bylaws, according to the Council’s minutes. Representative Lucian Tiger III sponsored the law.

Scott Vaughn, a Cherokee citizen and former CEO of Global Health, leads Native Advantage, according to KJRH. “I’m an Oklahoman, I’m a Native American, and I’m excited to be a part of this,” Vaughn said.

Questions about the plan go to Native Advantage at 1-888-544-0338 or nativeadvantage.com.