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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 15, 2013)
Smoke Signals 14 JULY 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 Bhowing 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 503-879-201 1; Tresa Mercier 503-879-2008; Jim Holmes 503-879-2221. s j r t ( Save Our Skookum Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority The Tribal Housing Authority is out of Tribally funded down payment assistance at this time. Dale Langley to be honored RODEO continued from front page through 2008. Because of the na tionwide recession, the Stampede was not held in 2009 or 2010. Starting in 2011, the Stampede has been supported by Spirit Mountain Casino with additional personnel and financing backing to help keep the tradition continuing for years to come. "The Rodeo Special Event Board put in hundreds of hours to prepare for this year's event," said Rodeo SEB Secretary Jim Holmes. "It is with heavy hearts that we continue on without our board Vice Chair Dale Langley. There will be a spe cial dedication to his memory at the event." Langley walked on June 17. Holmes said this year also marks the first annual Stampede Series Ail-Around award in conjunction with the Santiam Canyon Stam pede. Competitors must enter both rodeos to be eligible for a $2,000 prize and custom Gist buckle. The all-around Cowboy and Cow girl prizes will be awarded on If you go Spirit Mountain Stampede When: 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21; "slack events" will be held 5 p.m. Friday, July 19. Where: Spirit Mountain Rodeo Grounds, 9615 Grand Ronde Road. Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children 4 and younger; "slack events" are free. More information: www. spiritmountain.com Championship Sunday immediate ly following the bull riding event. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.spiritmountain.com, at the Coyote Club desk or at the gate, which will be cash only. Free parking will be available at the casino with shuttle buses run ning between the casino and rodeo grounds. D Adult Foster Program AWt - -- 1 The Tribe's Adult Foster Care lodges are committed to offering quality care to our Elders and helping them remain as independent as possible, while providing the personalized assistance they need. At our lodges, a wide range of services is available in a comfortable setting where privacy is respected and maximum independence is supported. For information, contact the Adult Foster Program Director at 503-879-1 694. B