How sponsorship works.
The sponsoring program pays the insurer directly, usually for a group of members at once. Programs choose who is eligible, which plans they will pay for, and whether they pay all or part of the premium. Many prefer plans that the program's clinics can bill, because that billing supports the clinic.
Why tribes do it.
Paying a member's premium can cost a program less than paying for that member's outside care through Purchased/Referred Care, and the plan's payments to tribal clinics come back into the program. It also gives members access to specialists and hospitals when PRC funds run short.
How to find out if your tribe offers it.
- Ask your tribe's health department or benefits coordinator.
- Ask your IHS, tribal or urban Indian clinic's patient benefits office.
- Ask us. We can help you apply for coverage in a way that works with a sponsorship program.
We do not run or speak for any tribal program; eligibility and decisions belong to your tribe or clinic.
Want a licensed advisor to check your household?
Check my eligibilityQuestions people ask.
Will my tribe pay for my health insurance?
Some tribes and Indian health programs pay Marketplace premiums for eligible members. Ask your tribe's health department or clinic benefits office.
Is tribal premium sponsorship allowed by law?
Yes. 45 CFR 155.240(b) lets Indian tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations pay premiums on behalf of qualified individuals.
Sources.
- 45 CFR 155.240, Payment of premiums (tribal premium sponsorship). ecfr.gov
- CMS, American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Health Insurance Marketplace, fact sheet for agents and brokers. cms.gov
- Indian Health Service, Purchased/Referred Care. ihs.gov
General information for Texas and Oklahoma residents, not tax or legal advice. Rules and numbers can change; this page is reviewed on the date shown above. Your eligibility and prices are set by HealthCare.gov or the insurer when you apply.
Who wrote this.
RedHealth Advisors LLC is a licensed health insurance agency in Round Rock, Texas (Texas agency license 3449979, NPN 22110493), serving Texas and Oklahoma. Ryan Hutson is a licensed agent (NPN 21321807). EnrollNative was founded by Mike Grimes, a Chickasaw Nation citizen. Licensing details.