Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Contract Health Services (CHS) provides authorization of payment for emergency medical care for patients traveling outside the State of Alaska who meet the necessary requirements.

"Emergency" means any medical condition for which immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent the death or serious impairment of the health of an individual.

Who is eligible for the ANMC CHS traveler and mover program?

- Alaska Native or American Indian enrolled members, or descendents, of a federally recognized tribe who have provided ANMC with their proof of eligibility.

- Non-Indian women pregnant with an eligible Alaska Native or American Indian man's child for services affecting the pregnancy and postpartum (routine care not covered).

- Children of an eligible Alaska Native or American Indian, including non-Indian foster children, adopted children, stepchildren, legal wards or orphans, until they reach the age of nineteen.

Travelers and movers whose permanent place of residence is in the service area of Tanana Chiefs Conference, Ketchikan Indian Community, Southeast Alaska Regional Consortium or Metlakatla Indian Community are not eligible for ANMC traveler and mover program. You may be eligible through your respective area's CHS program.

A summary of required procedures that must be followed in order for the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Contract Health Services (CHS) program to consider authorizing payment for emergency medical care while traveling outside the State of Alaska is shown below. 

We recommend that you read the traveler letter in detail to ensure that you meet all the requirements.

Summary of requirements:

• ANMC must have eligibility documentation (Certificate of Indian Blood or tribal enrollment card) on file.
• Traveler/mover program only applies to emergent situations.
• Traveler or mover is covered only up to 180 days from date of departure from Alaska. Traveler must maintain  his/her Alaska residency. Mover is defined as one who takes up permanent residence outside of Alaska. 
• IHS facilities must be utilized if available.
• CHS must be notified of care received by patient within 72 hours of treatment or admission to a health care facility.
• Medical records associated with emergent medical services must be received before final payment authorization can be determined.
• If payment is authorized, it is the patient or patient's family responsibility to ensure that all medical bills associated with the emergent visit is received by CHS within the one year timely filing deadline.
• Documentation of date of departure and return to Alaska. This documentation can be by airline tickets, airline boarding pass, or ferry system tickets/gas receipts if you drove to your destination.

Emergency care must be reported to the CHS office within 72 hours, including weekends and holidays (you may leave a voice mail or submit the on-line 72 hour notification form). This notice must be provided after the beginning of treatment. If the person needing care is too sick or disabled, a relative, friend or medical provider may notify CHS by calling 1-800-478-1636.

Services that will not be authorized by ANMC Contract Health:

• Routine obstetrical care
• Routine or emergent dental care
• Routine and follow-up appointments
• Medications purchased while traveling
• Inpatient/outpatient mental health services
• Inpatient/outpatient substance abuse services
• Pre-existing conditions