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IHS are so limited, said Jerilyn Church, the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board's executive director.
• Church said the board is first training navigators in IHS clinics and facilities. It will then reach out to tribal health clinics that run their own IHS programs and urban Indian health programs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Pierre.
• Navigators will have to go through 20 hours of online training offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• "Anyone who takes training will be in a position to help guide families on what might be the best option for them based on income, size of family," Church said. "It's going to be I think a very busy year just ensuring people get the right information and can make the right choices for themselves, and make sure that everybody has coverage in some way, shape or form."
• A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report released last week found that South Dakota residents will pay more for health insurance than people in surrounding states under the federal exchange.
• Average premiums for the lowest-level plan for a South Dakota family of four with an income of $50,000 will be $141 a month after tax credits. To the north, North Dakota residents would pay $111 for the same coverage, while Nebraska residents will pay $113 and Wyoming residents will pay $81. Klemann said officials were still analyzing the report, but she's surprised it's showing higher costs in the state.
• Church said she's expecting a busy year of ensuring that people get the right information and can make the right choices. She's said it will take a while to spread such a complex message.
• "Health reform is so new, and it's obviously going to change the landscape how health care is delivered in this country, as well as in Indian Country," Church said. "Many people who are involved in the health care industry, we're all in a learning curve together, but it's important to stay apprised and abreast of the changes and opportunities."
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