The Cherokee Nation has made significant announcements regarding healthcare coverage for United Keetoowah Band (UKB) members. This decision comes with implications for those who utilize the healthcare system in the new year. A substantial $5.6 million grant from Indian Health Services to the UKB has set in motion these changes.

Impact on Exclusive UKB Members

For exclusive UKB members who are not dually enrolled and receive healthcare at Cherokee Nation hospitals and clinics, there are notable alterations. Any referrals to specialists will now be covered by the UKB instead of the Cherokee Nation. As Cherokee Nation Chief Hoskin Jr. explains, "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." This change has sparked discussions and raised questions among the affected community.

Context of Tensions

These healthcare coverage changes come at a time when tensions between the two tribes have been playing out publicly. The Cherokee Nation has called for the UKB police force to disband, deeming it illegitimate. Additionally, the Cherokee Nation asserts that the UKB does not possess the same treaty rights as the Cherokee Nation. Chief Hoskin Jr. emphasizes that this healthcare announcement is not related to the ongoing disagreements between the tribes. He states, "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."

Response and Further Actions

News On 6 reached out to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians about this change in billing coverage. They are currently working on providing a statement. This development highlights the complexity of inter-tribal relations and the impact of external factors such as federal funding on healthcare services. It also showcases the need for clear communication and understanding between the two tribes to ensure the well-being of their members. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these changes are received and how they affect the future of healthcare within the Cherokee Nation and the UKB.