If you're an American Indian or an Alaska Native, there are health coverage benefits and protections available if you enroll in coverage through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.
- Some benefits are available to members of federally recognized tribes or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholders. See the list of federally recognized tribes.
- Others are available to people of Indian descent or otherwise eligible for services from the Indian Health Service (also known as an Indian hospital or Public Health Service (PHS), a tribal organization, or an urban Indian health organization.
Financial assistance:
While you're not exempt from paying monthly premiums for an insurance plan you buy through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, like all Americans you may qualify for tax credits that lower your premiums based on your income.
- If you buy a Virginia's Insurance Marketplace plan and your income is between 100% and 300% of the federal poverty level, you can enroll in a zero cost sharing plan.
- Regardless of your income, you wont have to pay any out-of-pocket costs if you get services from an Indian Health Care Provider.
- You can enroll in a Virginia's Insurance Marketplace health insurance plan any time, not just during the yearly Open Enrollment Period. You can change plans as often as once a month.
Medicaid & the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) benefits for Tribal members and Alaska natives
- Indian tribe members and ANCSA shareholders also have special protections and benefits under Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS).
- These benefits include paying no premiums or out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid coverage if you qualify.
- You may qualify for Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) more easily. There are special cost and eligibility rules for Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) that make it easier to qualify for these programs.
- You don't pay out-of-pocket costs for Indian health programs.