Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:30 — 51.7MB) | Embed
Native Americans who receive health care through the Indian Health Service might think signing up for federal Medicare programs might seem redundant and costly. But for many elders over 65, it could add up to a significant cost savings and improve care in the long run. Medicare, for instance, can help cover the cost of prescriptions that IHS might not. The program has a reputation as being complicated, but elder advocates say it’s usually worth the effort and there are lots of resources to help.
Guests:
Kris Winterowd – northeast regional coordinator of the state health insurance assistance Medicare for the State of New Mexico’s Aging and Long-term services department
Mary Munoz (Rosebud Sioux) – health insurance specialist at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Stacy Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa) – Chief Executive Officer of the National Indian Health Board
Break 1 music: Happy Sundance (song) Dallas Arcand (artist) Modern Day Warrior (album)
Break 2 music: Wim Ah I Wem, Tiwa (single) Gregg Analla (artist)
