The Mille Lacs Band’s Circle of Health program reminds Band members of two upcoming deadlines.
December 7 is the deadline to enroll in Medicare Part D — the Medicare prescription drug benefit. If you are enrolled in Medicare and you don’t have a Part D Plan, you need to pick a plan before December 7 or you will have limited pharmacy coverage.
If you do not have Part D coverage, you may have received a letter from Circle of Health reminding you about the deadline.
January 14 is the deadline to apply for insurance through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange.
Circle of Health is not insurance; it is a tribal benefit for Band members. Circle of Health is the ultimate payer of last resort. Before Circle of Health can pay any fees on your behalf, you must have health insurance — either Medicare, Medical Assistance, an employer plan, or a privately purchased plan.
Circle of Health is a certified navigator for MNsure and can help Band members and others with insurance questions and applications. Call 800-491-6106 for assistance or stop by the Circle of Health office at Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic. Circle of Health staff also make regular visits to Districts II and III and the Urban Office.
Those with computer skills and Internet access can go to the MNsure website (mnsure.org) to sign up for insurance. You will need to create an account and provide information about income, employment, your family, and tribal affiliation (if any). The website will walk you through a process to determine your eligibility. You can also call MNsure for assistance at 855-366-7873 or 651-539-2099.
For more information on Circle of Health, visit millelacsband.com/services/circle-of-health.