EBCI Sees 25 Percent Enrollment Surge in Tribal Medicaid Program

EBCI Sees 25% Enrollment Surge in Tribal Medicaid Program

CHEROKEE, N.C. (Cherokee411) — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has reported a 25 percent increase in enrollment in its Medicaid Tribal Option program since North Carolina expanded Medicaid eligibility statewide in December 2023.

More than 1,200 new members have joined the program, which offers comprehensive, culturally tailored healthcare services to tribal citizens living on and around the Qualla Boundary. The growth marks a significant milestone in the tribe’s ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and expand access to services for its members.

EBCI’s Tribal Option, administered in coordination with the state of North Carolina, is a managed care program designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It emphasizes culturally competent care and integrates tribal health providers and community-based resources.

Principal Chief Richard Sneed called the enrollment growth a reflection of the tribe’s broader vision for well-being and sovereignty.

“These two developments show our commitment to both the health of our people and the preservation of our heritage,” Sneed said, referencing both the Medicaid expansion and the recent advancement of H.R. 226, a federal bill that would return sacred Cherokee sites in Tennessee to tribal trust.

As efforts continue in Washington to secure federal trust status for those historic lands, tribal leaders say the increase in healthcare coverage demonstrates how targeted policy changes can positively impact Indigenous communities.

The EBCI operates a range of health services through the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, and wellness programs. Expanded Medicaid access is expected to improve chronic disease management, reduce emergency care reliance, and increase early intervention across the tribal population.

Photo courtesy https://ebcitribaloption.com/