ᏗᏆᏤᎵᎢᏳᏍᏗ – “Like family to me.”
We are committed to being the health partner of choice for this community, enjoying the relationships found in healthy families.
EBCI Tribal Option assists you in reaching your health goals by helping you find access to exceptional care providers (doctors, therapists, specialists, hospitals, community partners, home care providers, and other healthcare partners) to meet your needs.
A few of our community partners include:
Cherokee Choices: 828.359.6785
Tsalagi Public Health: 828.359.6240
EBCI Public Health and Human Services: 828.359.6180
The EBCI Public Health and Human Services department offers a Health Resource Guide, which can be found here.
EBCI Tribal Option offers its members Value-Added Services (VAS), which are not included as part of the NC Medicaid benefit package. The table below shows the current Value-Added Services offered by EBCI Tribal Option:
| Value-Added Service (VAS) | Definition of Criteria | Prior Authorization | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment in Cherokee language classes; required supplemental learning materials. | Limited to enrollment in classes offered by Cherokee Choices. | None required. | Cherokee Choices, not a Medicaid provider. |
| Car Safety Seat. | Car Safety Seat for newborns; Tribal Option member is not eligible for car seats from other agencies or programs. | Referral by care manager; limited to newborns. | This VAS is not provided by a Medicaid provider. |
| Up to $75 in gift cards for adherence to prenatal appointments. | Adherence to prenatal appointments as defined in the member’s care plan. Required appointments as ordered by the treating physician for the pregnancy. | Submission of Care Manager authorization to Member Services Manager for distribution of $25 gift card per trimester. | Tribal Option shall issue gift cards. |
| Up to $250 voucher for a computer upon acceptance to and full-time enrollment in an institution of higher education. | Ineligible for EBCI Higher Education Services. Must provide proof of acceptance and full-time enrollment into institution of higher education. | Will follow the EBCI Higher Education Policy. Purchase is available for members of Tribal Option who do not meet benefit eligibility for enrolled EBCI members. | Not a Medicaid enrolled provider. |
| Transportation related to care plan within routes and region covered by Cherokee Transit. | Transportation provided for job training and other activities required for implementation of the individual’s care plan. | Referral by Care Manager. | Available through Cherokee Transit, a NEMT provider. |
| Up to $750 voucher for associate’s degree including tuition and materials. | Must be 21 years or older; submit request to Tribal Option Member Services Unit for approval; ineligible for services from EBCI Department of Education. | Submit request to Member Services Unit for approval. Will follow the EBCI Higher Education Policy. Available for members of Tribal Option who do not meet benefit eligibility for enrolled EBCI members. | Not a Medicaid provider. |
| Up to $250 for GED examination voucher, materials, and life skills training. | Must be 19 years or older; submit request to Tribal Option Member Services Unit for approval; ineligible for EBCI Higher Education Services. | First must ensure member is not eligible for Tribal education reimbursement. Will follow the EBCI Higher Education Policy. Available for members of Tribal Option who do not meet benefit eligibility for enrolled EBCI members. | Not a Medicaid enrolled provider. |
| Offering of nutrition, cooking, and exercise classes. | All Tribal Option members are eligible for attendance to these classes offered by EBCI, CIHA, or other Tribal entities. | None required. | CIHA, EBCI, or other Tribal entities or activities sponsored or endorsed by CIHA. |
| Purchase of one (1) pair of sport shoes per calendar year. | Must be 18 and under and ineligible for the EBCI shoe program or have maximized benefit from the EBCI shoe program. | Prior authorization required. | Purchase of shoes only through the Birdtown Recreation Center. |