American Indians and Alaska Natives are eligible to enroll in Medicare and receive care at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. But IHS is not health insurance—it is a program that helps make medical care available through IHS clinics and hospitals.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and for those under 65 with certain disabilities or health conditions. Medicare helps cover care both inside and outside of IHS facilities.
Enrolling in Medicare can help pay for services IHS cannot provide, including care outside of IHS facilities, such as visits to specialists and private hospitals.
If you are eligible for IHS and enroll in Medicare, you will start with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You can also:
You may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs to help with costs. Medicare does not affect your ability to access care at IHS facilities or use IHS benefits.
Yes. All IHS providers accept Medicare, so you can keep getting care from your IHS doctor or clinic. You do not have to switch providers when you enroll in Medicare.
You may also use your Medicare coverage to get services outside of IHS, giving you more options for medical care.
You may qualify for IHS if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe or group under federal supervision or meet other eligibility criteria set by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. You may also qualify if you:
To get Medicare, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen or permanent legal resident and meet the age or disability requirements.
If you have questions about how Medicare and IHS work together, talk to your Community Health Representative. You can also:
Call 833-516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent
Have questions or need help enrolling?
Call 833-516-1007, TTY 711, to speak with a licensed sales agent.
October 1 – March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week
April 1 – September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
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