Cherokee Nation Announces Healthcare Billing Changes For UKB Members

The Cherokee Nation announced changes to healthcare coverage for United Keetoowah Band (UKB) members who use their healthcare system in the New Year.

This is due to a $5.6 million grant from Indian Health Services to the United Keetoowah Band.

This impacts any exclusive UKB members who are not dually enrolled who get their healthcare at Cherokee Nation hospitals and clinics.

Any referrals to specialists will now be covered by UKB and not the Cherokee Nation.

"So, what doesn't change if you're a UKB citizen and you come into our health system, which many, many do, and get treated by that same doctor, if she refers you out to a specialist, you still go to that specialist. The only thing that changes is where, where that specialist gets paid from" said Cherokee Nation Chief Hoskin Jr.

This announcement comes amid tensions between the two tribes that have played out publicly. The Cherokee Nation has called for the UKB police force to disband, calling it illegitimate.

The Cherokee Nation also says the UKB does not have the same treaty rights as the Cherokee Nation. Chief Hoskin Jr. says this announcement is not connected to the disagreements between the tribes.

"And because it happens in the context of some unrelated tension and some conflict we have at the UKB, it is natural to sort of see that through that lens, but this is wholly about federal government funding, and then our decision to do what we think is the prudent thing, but the most important thing to us is the patient." said Hoskin Jr.

News On 6 reached out to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians about this change in billing coverage. They are working to get us a statement.