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Patient Health Benefits

SEARHC’s Patient Health Benefits program provides free help signing up for health insurance to Southeast Alaskans. If you need a assistance with Medicaid, Medicare, Veteran’s Benefits, the Health Insurance Marketplace, Tribally Sponsored Health Insurance Program, HRSA sliding discount or our Financial Assistance program, we can help you.

Our team can help find the right coverage fit for you. Alaska Native and American Indians are covered by the Indian Health Service (IHS) however, additional coverage expands options and services available to you.

SEARHC Patient Health Benefit Assistance

907.966.8662 | 907.966.8920 | 907.966.8405 | 907.364.4589 | 907.966.8621 (Sliding Discount)
Email: outreach@searhc.org

SEARHC assists with the following programs:

Medicaid

  • New applications
  • Renewals
  • Reporting changes
  • Adding newborns

Medicare

  • Sign-up for coverage at 65: call at 64 to begin the process
  • Help paying for Medicare Part B & D
  • Supplemental plans
  • Add or change Part D (drug) plans

Health Insurance Marketplace

  • Annual open enrollment (November 1 – December 15)
  • Special enrollment year round
  • Updating information & problem solving

Veteran’s Benefits

  • Sign up
  • Update income

Tribally-Sponsored Health Insurance Program

  • Free coverage for eligible tribal members
  • Additional insurance
  • Year-round enrollment

Sliding Discount

  • HRSA Sliding Discount
  • Financial Assistance Program

Resources

 

The Health Insurance Marketplace

Official site of Affordable Care Act. Enroll now for 2021 coverage. See health coverage choices, ways to save today, and how the law affects you.

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Medicaid

Medicaid is a program created by the federal government, but administered by the state, to provide payment for medical services for low-income citizens.

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Medicare

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

Learn More

 

Tribally Sponsored Health Insurance Program (TSHIP)

Tribes and Tribal health organizations now pay for health insurance for Alaska Native and American Indian people who qualify. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is offering Tribally-Sponsored Health Insurance in Alaska.

Learn More
  • TSHIP flyer – General information, including income guidelines for eligibility
  • TSHIP FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

 

Veteran’s Benefits

If you qualify for VA health care, you’ll receive coverage for the services you need to help you get—and stay—healthy. Learn more about your health care benefits.

Learn More
  • Application form
  • Serving Alaska Veterans – This video introduces Veterans to the three administrations of the VA — Health Care Administration, Benefits Administration, and Cemetery Administration. The video, produced in Alaska, may have relevance to Veterans throughout the United States who are eligible for benefits from the VA. Veterans are encouraged to make contact with the nearest VA. (Video published 07.14.16)

Financial Assistance Program

Financial Assistance Policy – SEARHC offers a financial assistance program to patients who are unable to pay their hospital and/or clinic bills due to difficult financial situations. Contact a SEARHC Patient Health Benefit Specialist to be screened and assisted to apply for this sliding scale.

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What it is – Financial assistance offers a sliding scale for many SEARHC services primarily in Sitka, Juneau and Wrangell (Hospital) including medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health and inpatient care.  This program does not cover prescriptions, durable medical equipment, transportation/lodging/food, home health care, hospice, long term care, and hardware including orthodontics and hearing aids (this list is subject to change).

How to apply

  • Patients must meet with a Patient Health Benefit Specialist to be screened for the program. If eligible, staff will assist with the application.
  • Eligible individuals include patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
  • Patient are required to apply for other coverage they may be eligible for including Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, the Health Insurance Marketplace or other health insurance.
  • When applying, patients must list everyone in their household and provide proof of income for the past 30 days for everyone.  If self-employed, tax returns are required as proof of income.