Smoke Signals 15
APRIL 15,2013
Save our Skookum (SOS)
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the point of making members apply for Oregon
Health PlanMedicaid or other state coverage?
A: To save Tribal dollars. If you are eligible for a state plan, this
would become primary and pays claims before Skookum, which
saves Tribal funds.
Q: Does Tribal Council know you're doing this to the mem
bership?
A: Yes. This was a directive from Tribal Council. (We are doing this
FOR the membership ... to benefit everyone by keeping the plan
sustainable.)
Q: What information can be submitted to the Skookum Sec
ondary Payer Group if I don't qualify for the state cover
age? A: Income verification, such as a pay stub or tax information showing
you are over the income limits would be acceptable.
Q: If I am an Elder receiving the Tribal Elder Pension, single
family of one, do I have to apply?
A: No, not if you are a single family of one, receiving the Tribal El
der Pension. The Skookum Secondary Payer Group will verify your
pension information with Member Benefits.
Q: If I am a married Elder receiving Tribal Elders Pension,
and my spouse is working, do I have to apply?
A: If you are a family of two, receiving Tribal Elders Pension, the
Skookum Secondary Payer Group will need to verify income informa
tion for your household to help determine whether or not you need
to apply for OHPMedicaid.
Q: If I have a primary insurance, do I have to apply?
A: No, not at this time. This will only affect Tribal members using
Skookum as their only coverage.
Q: Isn't my Skookum Health Program benefit insurance cov
erage? A: No, Skookum is not an insurance plan, therefore, it is not consid
ered to be insurance by definition. You should not reference Skookum
as insurance, as it is not. It is a benefit you receive from the Tribe
because you are an enrolled Tribal member.
Q: What happens if I do not comply?
A: Your claims will be suspended in a pending status at Shasta and
not paid until you fulfill your obligation. Once it is confirmed that
you have fulfilled your obligation, we will instruct Shasta to process
and pay your claims.
Q: I might be getting a job soon; if I do, should I drop my
Medicaid?
A: Keep your Medicaid until you have new coverage in effect and
notify Medicaid of your change in status.
Q: How do I apply for Medicaid?
A: Many states have an online application and eligibility information
or you can call the Department of Human Services in your state to
learn about what is available to you.
Q: Will there be Tribal staff available to answer my questions
about applying for Medicaid?
A: Yes, there will be Tribal staff available to assist you with ques
tions. Q: Am I required to pay for insurance through my employ
er? A: We encourage those Tribal members with alternate resources,
such as employer sponsored insurance, to enroll in those plans and
use Skookum as a secondary coverage to pay for any balances that
are patient responsibility. But, at this time, you aren't required to
enroll in your employer plan if there is an associated premium that
you must pay. (But you may certainly choose to.) B
Thank you to everyone that has responded to this effort and
or provided necessary documentation. We look forwarding to
hearing from you! Please call with your questions.
Skookum Health Plan Secondary Payer Team
Barbara Steere 503-879-2487; Tauni McCammon 503-879-1406;
Erica Mercier 503-879-2080; Melody Baker 503-879-2011;
Tresa Mercier 503-879-2008; Jim Holmes 503-879-2221.
Save Our Skookum
Grand R oir.de Gaming
Commission positions
The Grand Ronde Gaming Commission is seeking applications for two
positions for three-year terms which will expire June 2016. The Grand
Ronde Gaming Commission regulates all gaming-related activities associ
ated with Spirit Mountain Casino. The Tribal Gaming Ordinance requires
both positions to be filled by Tribal members. Applicants must be at least
21 years of age. Commissioners may not hold elective or managerial Tribal
positions, and may not be employed in or own any interest in or gamble
in a gaming operation authorized by the Tribal Gaming Ordinance. Com
missioners are independent contractors and expend approximately 30-40
hours per month to fulfill their responsibilities. The Commission gener
ally meets on the second and third Fridays of each month. Appointment
is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
Applications may be obtained by calling Kathy Doane at 503-879-2393.
Closing date is April 30, 2013, by 5 p.m.
Notice to Interested Persons
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Grand Ronde Tribal Cultural
CenterMuseum Project
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR) is seeking
proposals from licensed and qualified general contractors for the
renovation of the former Willamina Middle School into the Tribe's
Cultural CenterMuseum located in Grand Ronde, Ore. CTGR in
tends to select contractors based on their qualifications and experi
ence. Selected contractors will be requested to submit competitive
bids for the project at a later date.
Project Address
8720 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde. Oregon 97347
Interested persons wishing to receive a copy of the Request for
Qualifications please send an electronic request for a RFQ packet
to Jesse White, jesse.whitegrandronde.org.
Sealed proposals must be received at the Confederated Tribes
of Grand Ronde Tribal Governance Center located at 9615 Grand
Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347 before 3 p.m. Mondayr May
6. 2013.
Additional information regarding this request may be obtained
by submitting electronic written requests to Jesse White at jesse.
whitegrandronde.org, or by calling 503-879-2404. Questions and
answers will be e-mailed to all proposers.
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MORE INFORMATION FORTHCOMING
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