S MOKE S IGNALS
DECEMBER 1, 2014
Save Our Skookum team
‘We look forward to working with you’
Photo by Michelle Alaimo
From left, Sydney Clark, Certifi ed Applications
assister, Tauni McCammon, Contract Health
specialist, Erica Mercier, Contract Health specialist,
Barbara Steere, Health Benefi ts specialist, Tresa
Mercier, Health & Wellness Business Offi ce manager,
Loretta Meneley, Certifi ed Application assister, and
Melody Baker, Senior Contract Health specialist, are the Tribe’s Save
Our Skookum team.
Important tax exemption
information for Native Americans
11
ATTENTION TRIBAL MEMBERS
WITH CONTRACT HEALTH SERVICES
During the last year, there have been many changes in the health
care system across the nation, but one thing remains the same, the
rising cost of health care. The Affordable Health Care Act has many
benefi ts available to Native Americans, which will help us stretch
Contract Health Services and Tribal dollars spent on health care.
Health care has long been a priority of the Tribe and to maintain
the services we receive, we all have to do our part.
As most of you are aware, CHS is a federally funded program and
a payer of last resort. With all of the health care changes recently,
we would like to take a minute to remind you that ANY alternate
resource you have will need to be utilized correctly. That means
you need to receive care from in-network providers (INP) with your
primary coverage.
If you choose not to use an INP or receive services that are not
covered by your primary insurance, you will be responsible for pa-
tient balances.
A CHS policy has been adopted that CHS-eligible members must
coordinate and receive counseling or in-patient drug and alcohol
services from an INP through Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH).
If you choose not to receive services from an INP, you will be respon-
sible for any out-of-network costs (30 percent) of the bill. It is very
important that you contact IBH before seeking counseling or any
in-patient drug and alcohol services. Call IBH at 1-800-395-1616
for a referral to an INP.
Please help us educate Tribal members about this important poli-
cy. If you have a family member or friend needing mental health or
drug and alcohol services, please share this information and have
them contact IBH or CHS staff and we will help guide them through
the process.
CHS also wants to remind you that there are some services that
are not covered by CHS, but are covered by the Skookum Health
Assistance Program. They are as follows: Chiropractic care, Naturo-
pathic care, Massage, Acupuncture, and outpatient drug and alcohol
treatment. This does not mean that you cannot use those services;
it simply means that CHS will not be responsible for any patient
balances. You can still keep those appointments, you just need to
pay whatever your patient responsibility is. We understand that
this can all be a little confusing, so please feel free to give us a call
if you have ANY questions and we’ll be happy to help.
Tresa (Teri) Mercier – 503-879-2008
Melody Baker – 503-879-2011
Tauni McCammon – 503-879-1406
Erica Mercier – 503-879-2080
Drum and Rattle Classes
Coming to Grand Ronde!
We hope you will join us for an upcoming class series, featuring a drum/rattle protocol class, a
singing circle, and either a drum or rattle making class.
An important announcement was made recently by Health and
Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell that individuals eligible to
receive health care from an Indian Health Service, Tribal or urban
Indian health care provider will be able to claim an exemption from the
shared responsibility payment through the tax fi ling process starting
with the 2014 tax year.
This benefi t gives individuals who are eligible to receive services
from an Indian health care provider, including the IHS and Tribal clin-
ics, the same fi ling option as members of federally recognized Tribes
(including Alaska Native shareholders). Both groups will continue to
have the option of submitting the exemption application through the
Health Insurance Marketplace.
Before last week’s announcement, exemptions were available both
to individuals who were members of a federally recognized Tribe
and to individuals who are eligible to receive services from an Indian
health care provider. But members of a Tribe were able to claim an
exemption through the federal tax fi ling process while individuals who
are eligible to receive services from an Indian health care provider
were required to obtain this exemption through the Health Insurance
Marketplace by fi ling a paper application.
The availability of the tax fi ling process to apply for the Indian
health care exemption will save time and reduce the duplication of
effort. Individuals intending to claim this exemption through the tax
fi ling process should retain the same documentation that they would
otherwise submit to the marketplace as part of their exemption appli-
cation. Above is a diagram to illustrate how to meet Affordable Care
Act requirements for all Americans and individuals eligible for IHS.
If you have questions about the exemption, call Loretta Meneley,
Certifi ed Application Assister, at 800-775-0095 or 503-879-1359. n
Protocol (open to all, mandatory for drum/rattle makers)
- Learn how to use and treat a drum or rattle.
Monday November 3rd from 4-5 pm
CTGR Gymnasium
Making
Due to the popularity of the classes and the limited space available we ask that you only sign up if
you haven't attended a drum or rattle making class in the last three years. Please note that if you are
signed up for either Drum or Rattle Making you are
committing to attend the series including Protocol and Singing Circle classes.
Drum Making
Friday November 14th from 1-4 pm
Elders Activity Center
Limited to 10 Elder Men
Thursday November 20th from 4-7 pm
Youth Ed Building
Limited to 15 Middle & High School Age Boys
Rattle Making
Thursday December 4th from 4-7 pm
Chachalu Classroom #2
Limited to 10 Elder Women and 15 Middle & High School Age Girls
Singing Circle (open to all, mandatory for drum/rattle makers)
- Learn a new song that you can use with your drum or rattle.
Thursday December 11th from 4-5 pm
CTGR Gymnasium
To sign up for the series (spaces limited) or Protocol and/or Singing Circle, please contact Flicka
Lucero at 503-879-2268.
If you are unable to attend this series, we are planning additional series in the future. Keep your
eye on Land and Culture Corner for information on upcoming classes.
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
Land and Culture Department
Chachalu: Tribal Museum and Cultural Center
8720 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
Phone: 503-879-2226 Fax: 503-879-2126
E-mail: landandculture@grandronde.org