Eligibility

Patient Eligibility

The Puyallup Tribal Health Authority’s active patient population is more than 10,000 American Indians/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, representing over 200 tribes. PTHA direct services are provided without charge to all eligible AI/ANs residing in Pierce County.

Who is eligible for services at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority?

The following individuals are eligible for services:

  1. AI/ANs from a federally recognized tribe living in Pierce County.
    To prove AI/AN blood, one of the following must be provided: tribal enrollment card or other proof of tribal enrollment, letter of descendency, or certificate of Indian Blood (CIB or CDIB). If you do not already have one of these documents, you should begin by contacting your tribe. Pierce County residence must be proven at registration and at least annually thereafter. Depending on your eligibility status, acceptable proof of residence may include: mail or utility bills within 30 days of registration or update, rental agreements, car registration, current & valid state identification, etc. Call Patient Access or any front desk for a detailed list of acceptable proof.
  2. AI/AN children 18 years old and under of someone who falls into Category 1. By 19 years of age, AI/AN children lose eligibility unless they can provide acceptable proof that they fall into Category 1.
  3. Non-native women pregnant with AI/AN child until 6-weeks post-partum are eligible for Medical, Pharmacy, and Community Health Services. The father must fall into Category 1. A notarized paternity statement or marriage certificate must be provided. Both parents must reside in Pierce County and otherwise maintain eligibility for the duration of care.
  4. Non-native dependents of an AI/AN who falls into Category 1.
    By 19 years of age, AI/AN children lose their eligibility.

What do I need to bring for each individual I want to register for services?

To register for services at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, each person registering must bring:

  1. Photo Identification
  2. Tribal Enrollment, Certificate of Indian Blood, or Letter of Descendency from Tribe
  3. Acceptable Address Verification for Pierce County
  4. Birth Certificate (Or Hospital Announcement) for Newborns
  5. Social Security Card
  6. Marriage/Divorce Papers to Reflect Name Changes from Birth Certificate
  7. Current Insurance Information, if any (Medicaid, Medicare, or Private Insurance)

Now I am registered. What is next?

After establishing a record with the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, all patients are encouraged to phone ahead to schedule appointments. Due to capacity, some services may be limited. Call for details.

Patients of the PTHA must:

  1. Bring Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance cards (if any) and photo identification to every appointment.
  2. Update annually or as often as there is a change to your circumstances.
  3. Inform front desk of changes in health coverage as soon as possible.
  4. Comply with PTHA’s policy on Patient Rights and Responsibilities.