Post by blackcrowheart on May 1, 2007 13:08:05 GMT -5
Indian Health Care "Rationing" Medical Coverage
KOTV
The News on 6 told you last month about a young Jenks couple; left heartbroken and thousands of dollars in debt after a medical emergency took the life of their unborn child. The two were then denied coverage for bills they thought would be paid by Indian Health Services.
In this follow-up story, News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin learns why when they least expect it; many patients are financially on their own.
It was a family tragedy almost too painful to discuss. "I got to hold him while he was still alive." The night Erin Matthews miscarried, her doctor at Claremore Indian Hospital told her to rush to the emergency room. Her life and the baby's were on the line.
Matthews, a member of the Choctaw Nation, understood that her medical bills would be covered as usual, but when she and her husband appealed to the nearest tribe for help in paying off her $11,000 worth of care, the answer was no. Erin Matthews said, "that they don't care." Erin’s husband Patrick Matthews added, "I'm not asking for a handout, I just need some help."
After the story aired, calls and emails came pouring in from others in similar situations. So the News on 6 brought the question to Creek Nation Health Systems, 'why are so many people who thought they had coverage being denied?'
CEO Judy Aaron says the tribe must prioritize it's spending and with only so much funding designated for outside health care, she's often forced to make difficult decisions. "And I have to sign a letter after reading a case that you have to feel for these individuals they're struggling, a health incident can wipe out your financial stability, it can disrupt a home and you're having to sign a letter that effectively says, I can't help you in this situation."
She says the federal government gives the tribe only $3.8-million to serve not only it's 60,000 members, but all Native Americans living in Muscogee Creek territory. The tribe itself contributes $3.6-million in gaming revenues, but Judy Aaron says that is still not enough. "The actual need, if you look at all the services we provide, is around $12 million, so we're able to only meet half of that budget."
That means once the money runs out, people like the Matthews get turned away. “In the Native American population we are effectively using a system of rationing to be able to provide care for those that we serve," said Judy Aaron.
She adds, other Oklahoma tribes are in the same situation. She is hoping for a restructuring of the entire US health care system.
KOTV
The News on 6 told you last month about a young Jenks couple; left heartbroken and thousands of dollars in debt after a medical emergency took the life of their unborn child. The two were then denied coverage for bills they thought would be paid by Indian Health Services.
In this follow-up story, News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin learns why when they least expect it; many patients are financially on their own.
It was a family tragedy almost too painful to discuss. "I got to hold him while he was still alive." The night Erin Matthews miscarried, her doctor at Claremore Indian Hospital told her to rush to the emergency room. Her life and the baby's were on the line.
Matthews, a member of the Choctaw Nation, understood that her medical bills would be covered as usual, but when she and her husband appealed to the nearest tribe for help in paying off her $11,000 worth of care, the answer was no. Erin Matthews said, "that they don't care." Erin’s husband Patrick Matthews added, "I'm not asking for a handout, I just need some help."
After the story aired, calls and emails came pouring in from others in similar situations. So the News on 6 brought the question to Creek Nation Health Systems, 'why are so many people who thought they had coverage being denied?'
CEO Judy Aaron says the tribe must prioritize it's spending and with only so much funding designated for outside health care, she's often forced to make difficult decisions. "And I have to sign a letter after reading a case that you have to feel for these individuals they're struggling, a health incident can wipe out your financial stability, it can disrupt a home and you're having to sign a letter that effectively says, I can't help you in this situation."
She says the federal government gives the tribe only $3.8-million to serve not only it's 60,000 members, but all Native Americans living in Muscogee Creek territory. The tribe itself contributes $3.6-million in gaming revenues, but Judy Aaron says that is still not enough. "The actual need, if you look at all the services we provide, is around $12 million, so we're able to only meet half of that budget."
That means once the money runs out, people like the Matthews get turned away. “In the Native American population we are effectively using a system of rationing to be able to provide care for those that we serve," said Judy Aaron.
She adds, other Oklahoma tribes are in the same situation. She is hoping for a restructuring of the entire US health care system.