The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority is excited to announce Gwynneth Wildcatt, Director of Accessibility, Resources, and Member Services will be participating in a live fireside chat and tele-town hall hosted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) on Thursday, August 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. This event will focus on how Medicaid expansion supports the health of American Indian communities, highlighting the critical role of Medicaid in providing comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Wildcatt, who hails from the Painttown Community and now resides in Birdtown, will share insights about EBCI Tribal Option, the tribe’s dedicated Medicaid plan, which ensures that members of the EBCI receive culturally competent and accessible healthcare services. The EBCI Tribal Option is designed to meet the unique needs of the community, offering a tailored approach to Medicaid coverage that includes routine check-ups, specialized health services, and care for chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
“The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority is lucky to have Gwynn as a staunch advocate for our patients,” said Brittney Lofthouse, Director of Development & Community Relations for CIHA. “We commend her for her relentless advocacy in ensuring that enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have access to the resources needed to enroll in Medicaid.”
In addition to Gwynneth Wildcatt, event participants also include:
Tony V. Locklear, Tribal Liaison Consultant, NCDHHS
- Phyllis Locklear, Tribal Engagement & Cultural Competency Specialist, WellCare Health Plans
North Carolina Medicaid now covers more people ages 19 through 64 years old, including members of the American Indian community. Medicaid supports the health of American Indian communities through increased access to routine and specialized health services, from regular check-ups to care for ongoing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. To ensure people can get the appointments, medications and treatments they need, Medicaid covers health premiums and most services, and co-pays are never more than $4.
The fireside chat and tele-town hall will cover essential topics such as:
- Who is newly eligible for Medicaid under the expansion
- What health services and costs Medicaid covers
- Ways to apply for Medicaid or other healthcare coverage
- Tribal-specific options and resources, including the role of tribal liaisons
Federally recognized tribal members or individuals who qualify for services through Indian Health Service (IHS) may be able to choose how to receive Medicaid services. The NCDHHS Medicaid expansion website provides information on eligibility, how to apply and where to find support. Individuals can also connect with state support teams or tribal liaisons to better understand their health care coverage options, complete Medicaid applications and navigate enrollment.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 109745#.
Those joining the event will have the opportunity to ask questions about Medicaid expansion, eligibility and enrollment as well as tribal-specific options and resources.