American Indian Health & Family Services of Southeastern MI, Inc.

i

Program / Eligibility Guide

Issued 3-13-13 Rev 0

American Indian Health & Family Services of Southeastern MI, Inc.

ii

Our Mission

The mission of American Indian Health and Family Services of

Southeastern Michigan (AIHFS) is to enhance the physical, spiritual,

emotional, and mental well being of Native American families and

other underserved populations in Southeast Michigan.

Vision

AIHFS will be a leading provider of culturally appropriate integrative

health care guided by indigenous values.

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Welcome

Welcome to American Indian Health and Family Services of

Southeastern Michigan. We are an agency who serves the

community and works towards meeting all of your needs. We believe

in the importance of taking care of the whole being as a person which

means taking care of your medical, physical, spiritual, as well as your

emotional needs.

While you are here don’t forget the health education and traditional

programs we provide.

We would like to thank you for coming to our agency, from the great

providers and staff that work here

You can reach us by any one of the following ways.

www.aihfs.org

Facebook

Twitter

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Location & Hours

We are located at

4880 Lawndale

Detroit, MI 48210

AIHFS

Programs and Services (313) 846-6030

Administration (313) 846-3718

Administration Hours:

Monday – Friday 9 am- 5:00pm

Wellness Center:

Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri – 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

(Closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30)

Wed – 11:30 am – 8:30 pm (Closed for lunch from 3:30-4:30)

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General Eligibility While the mission and vision of AIHFS is to serve native families many

of our programs are open to everyone regardless of race. Please refer

to each program for any specific requirements regarding participation.

Every client is required to register for services at AIHFS. It is important

that you arrive early for your appointment to complete all necessary

paperwork. Please bring the following items with you:

Picture identification

Social Security Card and/or number

American Indian status card if applicable

Proof of income

Cost for Medical / Behavioral Health Visits

AIHFS is partially funded by Indian Health Services therefore some

medical and behavioral health is provided free of cost to those who

meet the definition of an “Urban Indian”.

1- Resides in an urban center, which is any community that has a

sufficient urban Indian population with unmet health needs to

warrant assistance under Title V, as determined by the Secretary

of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”); and

who

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2- Meets one or more of the following criteria:

a. Irrespective of whether he or she lives on or near a reservation,

is a member of a tribe, band, or other organized group of

Indians, including:

i. those tribes, bands, or groups terminated since 1940, and

ii. those recognized now or in the future by the State in which

they reside; or

b. Is a descendant, in the first or second degree, of any such

member described in (A); or

c. Is an Eskimo or Aleut or other Alaska Native; or

d. Is the descendant of an Indian who was residing in the State of

California on June 1, 1852, so long as the descendant is now

living in said State; or †

e. Is considered by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior

to be an Indian for any purpose; or

f. Is determined to be an Indian under regulations pertaining to

the Urban Indian Health Program that are promulgated by the

Secretary of HHS.

Although AIHFS is not a free clinic, we do provide assistance for clients

who are not able to pay for services that they receive. If you are

responsible for paying for your care with a clinic or behavioral health

provider there are options available.

AIHFS is now accepting many insurance plans. It is important that if

you choose to receive medical and/or behavioral health services that

you designate us as your primary care physician (PCP). If you need

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assistance in switching your primary care provider, please speak with

our billing department.

We currently accept the following insurances:

United Healthcare

Meridian Health Plan

Midwest Health Plan

Molina Healthcare

Total Healthcare

Adult Benefit Waiver )ABW)

Health Alliance Plan

Blue care network

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Great lakes health plan

Omni care

Procare health plan

Medicaid

Medicare

Plan first

BCCCP

Even with insurance, it is important to remember that there may be

times that you are still responsible for services provided. Some of

these reasons include:

Your insurance may not cover your visit- please verify what

services are covered by your insurance

Outside referrals may not be covered

Remember our staff is here to help you understand your insurance

coverage if you have any questions.

If you do not have insurance, there are still other options for you:

1- AIHFS provides assistance for clients and community members

applying for and receiving benefits. These benefits include, but are

not limited to:

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Medicaid/Medicare

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

DHS applications: Including emergency help for shut off notices,

food assistance, and many other programs

Starting October 2013- AIHFS will also provide assistance with the

Affordable Care Act (ACA) application

If you are interested in receiving assistance please schedule an

appointment or contact the benefit coordinator at (313) 846-6030.

2- AIHFS also offers a Sliding Fee (discount) and payment program.

In order to apply for either of these you will need to bring in proof

of your current income.

a. Your fees for services will be based on Federal Poverty

Guidelines and our sliding fee scale

b. It is your responsibility to inform the billing department or

reception staff if there are any changes to your income and/or

family size so that your application and be reviewed

How Consultation/Referral Request Are Made? 1. The Doctor will fill out a consultation/referral form.

2. Medical staff will inquire if you have a preference as to where you

would like to be referred to.

3. If you have insurance, make sure the referral location takes your

specific insurance.

4. If you do not have insurance, make sure they can work out a

payment that will work for you.

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Patients are responsible for scheduling their own appointments unless

specified.

Please bring your consultation/referral request form to your

appointment. This will ensure that your Doctor receives a thorough

written report when the consultation is complete.

Transportation

AIHFS provides transportation to eligible clients to and from their

appointments and/or programs. All transportation clients must

complete and submit a transportation service agreement. Eligibility

requirements include.

You must have absolutely no other means of transportation.

Your insurance carrier does not provide transportation. If you

need help determining if your insurance company provides

transportation please call us.

You must live within 35 miles of AIHFS.

Transportation request must be made at least 72 hours prior to

transportation

Transportation must be cancelled at least 24 hours before

scheduled transport should you need to cancel

AIHFS may transport minors between the ages of 8-17 without a

parent or guardian to and from certain programs or events. A

Parent / guardian must sign the Transportation Agreement prior

to transportation.

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All eligible clients must follow all transportation rules and guidelines as

shown in the Transportation Service Agreement. Failure to comply

with all rules and regulations may result in loss of transportation

privileges.

Clinic Services

The clinic provides full family practice services to include:

General Clinic

Adult Physicals

Women’s Health

Well Child Checks

Sport Physicals

Immunizations (Including Flu Shots

from October- March)

Diabetes Health & Education

HIV/STI Testing and Counseling

Referrals for specialty services-

please allow for 10 days

Prescriptions- please allow for 72hrs

for a refill

Dental referrals (see eligibility)

The clinic has some special programs that can assist you with obtaining

services that you cannot afford. They include:

1- VFC- vaccines for adults and children who are

uninsured/underinsured

2- Patient Assistance Program (eligibility depends on company)

a. Please bring ID, W2 forms, and last 3 paystubs

b. Allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for initial prescription

c. Allow for up to 10 business days for refill

3- BCCP- Women ages 40-62 who are under insured or not insured

can sign up for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program

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(BCCCP) by calling 1-800-527-6266, ask to enroll in the BCCCP

Program, patient’s will be asked questions and if eligible will be

scheduled an appointment for a breast exam and GYN exam at

our wellness center and mammogram at Karmanos at no cost.

4- Plan First- Women ages 18-39 who do not have insurance can sign

up for Plan First to receive Women’s Health Services, i.e. Breast

exam, GYN exam, birth control at no cost. Enrollment can be

completed at AIHFS.

5- Dental referrals are available for individuals who meet the

definition of Urban Indian (see above). There is an annual charge

of $20.00 for a referral. You will also be charged for a portion of

you care at the time of service. Your fee will be determined based

on a sliding fee scale. Since AIHFS only provides assistance with

preventative services, you will be responsible for 100% of the costs

of any other service.

Department of Emotional and Spiritual Wellness

Our overall health exists on a continuum of growth, setbacks, and

improvement. This process is a natural part of life. Adversity, such as

personal hardships, family difficulties, physical health problems,

environmental and social injustice impacts our total wellbeing or

mind/body/spirit balance.

The AIHFS Department of Emotional and Spiritual Wellness can help

restore balance. AIHFS Behavioral Healthcare Providers are highly

trained and experienced therapists supplemented by graduate student

interns from the University of Michigan, Wayne State and the Michigan

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School of Professional Psychology. They function as guides along a

path to wellbeing incorporating culturally based treatment methods

with larger community supported approaches to nurture the mind,

body, and spirit balance. Each Provider is committed to helping

community members and families listen to themselves in new ways

and to move beyond obstacles to wellness and focus on positive

change and meaningful healing.

Services to Foster Hope and Emotional Wellbeing

Individual and Family Counseling

Traditional Healing Ceremonies

Counseling with Community Elders and Keepers of Cultural

Knowledge

Suicide Prevention, Screening, and Training

Substance Abuse Treatment

Talking Circles

Wellbriety

Anishnaabek Healing Circle- Access to Recovery Program

(ATR) (The ATR program allows eligible community members to design their

own healing path through a voucher system that will fund program

services including Residential Detox, 30-day Residential Treatment for

Substance Abuse or Dependence, Traditional Healing Services, Sweat

Lodges, Talking Circles, Massage, Acupuncture, housing support and

more.)

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Department of Community Health and Family Wellness

Parent Support Program

Eligibility:

These parent support classes are open to anyone who is a Native

American parent or is involved in the lives of Native children.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, foster parents and other

guardians/caregivers are welcome to attend. Please call us at (313) 846-

6030 x1205. Transportation is available; however it is limited to the

local area and availability.

Participants Will:

Draw knowledge from traditional stories and quotes.

Recognize honor and strengthen the co-parenting supports.

Learn techniques for healing from historical trauma, stress,

anxiety, conflict and anger.

Develop skills in traditional parenting.

Recognize and access traditional methods of gaining resources.

Gain ideas and support from peers through the use of on-going

talking circles.

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Themes:

Family goal setting

Kinship and Family Roles

Honoring &Strengthening the

Family

Importance of Mentors &

Elders

Building Communication Skills

Stress & Balance

Identifying Conflict & Harmony

Budgeting

Reducing expenses &

Increasing income

Interviewing & Job Skills

Honoring Children

Traditional Parenting

Positive Discipline

Respectful & Healthy

Relationships

Celebrating Accomplishments

Prevention and Wellness Activities

As a community based organization, we understand the significant

impact that physical activity and healthy eating has on the health of

our Native American people; therefore we integrate wellness activities

into nearly all of our programming. We work to include healthy foods

and physical activity into our community events, programs and services

for all ages.

Individual treatment and counseling from our friendly physicians,

registered nurse and medical staff is available for those interested in

prevention or management of diabetes.

AIHFS also offers monthly Cooking Classes during our social nights that

promote healthy traditional food choices. Everyone is welcome to

participate, no pre-registration is required.

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Activities/Programs Offered:

Youth cooking classes

Traditional Dance

Dream Seekers Youth Program

Zumba Classes

Yoga Classes

Healthy Start Program

Native Healthy Start Maajtaag Mnobmaadzid

(Maj- tog Minowb-maude-zid)

“A Start of a Healthy Life”

Traditionally, pregnancy is a sacred state of being.

Keeping women and babies safe and healthy has always been an

honorable and expected way of life for Native people. When a woman

knew she was pregnant, the life inside became her first thought. She

was very aware of the need to take care of her health right from the

start.

Maajtaag Mnobmaadzid is designed to complement, not replace

prenatal, postpartum and pediatric medical care. In addition to

providing support and education during pregnancy, there is also a

focus on helping women become and stay healthy before and between

pregnancies. We affirm the sacred role of women in the community as

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givers of life, and promote understanding of the importance of family

well - being and the health of women throughout the lifespan.

Who are we hoping to reach?

Our program is designed to provide services to Native American

pregnant women and families with children under the age of two.

What do we have to offer?

Home or office visits by a Maternal Child Health Nurse and

Outreach Worker

Support and education based on the needs of the family

Services to women with high-risk pregnancies

Referral, follow-up and after-care services for a variety of family

needs

Depression screening to pregnant women and new moms

Transportation to medical and other appointments

Health education counseling and events

Participate in collaborative community efforts to develop and

improve services for families

Education and breast-feeding support by a certified lactation

counselor.

What do we hope to accomplish?

We are working toward providing services and information that will

keep our infants, women, and families in the best of health. If we

remember traditional teachings and combine those with today’s health

care information, we are sure to build strong families and strong

nations and give our children a healthy start in life.

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Eligibility:

All Healthy Start families must either have a pregnant mother or at

least one child under the age of 2. To be eligible for home visits, the

family must reside within 45 miles of AIHFS. Families who live farther

away than 45 miles may be eligible for office visits. The program is free

and there are no income guidelines to determine eligibility.

Dream Seekers Youth Services Since 1992, our program has been building a positive support network

for Native youth and families while exploring ways to live healthy and

break the cycle of drugs, alcohol and violence. We focus on balancing

the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our youth and

families.

Activities

We have a lot of great activities for youth including, but not limited to:

Weekly youth meetings throughout the school year

Community service, gardening, lock-ins

Cultural activities, drumming, dancing, and crafts

Field trips to colleges, powwows, camp and more

Summer programs, murals, music, video projects

Substance abuse prevention

Suicide Prevention

Nutrition and Physical Activity

Volunteering!

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Requirements

All Tribes, Nations, Races are welcome

8-17 years old

Complete and enrollment application

Bring your Native American Tribal Enrollment or Status card if you

have one.

Transportation may be available, however it is limited to the local

area and depends on availability

Traditional Teachings/Ceremony Traditional Teachings, ceremonies and sweat lodges are hosted

throughout the year at AIHFS. Since AIHFS is an urban Indian Health

Center, the teachings that are offered may reflect diverse Native

American cultures and traditions. Also, traditional teachings and

ceremonies are integrated into many of our regular programs and

services. Some of the teachings offered through AIHFS include:

Traditional Drumming

Medicine wheel teachings

Individual sessions with

traditional healers

Women’s Teachings

Men’s Teachings

Full Moon Ceremonies

Smudging

Four Sacred medicines

Tobacco pouch making

Traditional Dance

Moccasin making

Talking circles

Traditional Foods

Sweat Lodges

Traditional dance

AND MORE!

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Sweat Lodges

The Sweat Lodge ceremony has diverse teachings from Nation to

Nation. Sweats may have different purposes including purification,

cleansing, healing, fasting, sundancing and naming. Some lodges have

both men and women attend, others may have only women or men.

There may also be sweats specific for individuals, families or children.

At AIHFS, we host community lodges, women’s and men’s lodges

throughout the year.

AIHFS offers tobacco and sponsors the elder’s transportation for these

events. In addition, we ask the community to share with us in gifting

those who come to share teachings and ceremonies with things which

would support their ability to travel and provide healing services. We

are always seeking additional funding to help support travel costs.

Sweat lodge attire: Attire often includes shorts for the men, and a

long dress or long skirt and top for the women. As the lodge gets

pretty hot, no metal or underwire should be worn. Many people also

like to bring a towel.

Food/Gift to share at the Feast: Bringing food to share with each other

is part of the ceremony, and will be considered our give-away to each

other.

As with any event we ask that you call our main number to see when

these activities are being conducted. We are available to answer

questions as well.