2010 Health Benefit Plan

Health Benefit Card

I have received the Osage Nation Health Limited Benefit Plan packet.

Re: The Consent and Release for Membership Information Form:

Last Paragraph states: I understand that, by signing this form, I am releasing the Nation and MAA from any and all liability as a result of the disclosure of my personal information. I understand the Nations’ sovereign protection, but who is this third party MAA?

Is for “health benefits ” or credit information.

a.) There was no patients right (HIPAA) notice included.

b.) Is this amount taxable?

c.) Why are there strings attached to this Osage health benefit?

Re: The Osage Health Needs of 2010 – I take exception of the required (not requested) personal proprietary questions as it is and none of any ones business. . The packet does not guarantee information will not be sold. Personal information is just that “personal”, and if I choose to freely gives out information about any family member, or myself it will be my choice not yours, especially for the sum of $500.00.

There is no explanation for the need of specific information. The original intent was simply to help ALL (key word is ALL) Osage people Health care needs no matter where they lived. There was no public discussions on required information gathering

My Comments: The article in the Osage News for the Limited Health Benefit Plan:

I do not have children under the age of 18. After reading Hepis Barnett statement in the Osage News on claims for minors will be on a reimbursement bases due to possible fraud is an insult to our families.

This statement is insensitive, thoughtless, and so far reaching in the intent toward the integrity and trust of its families. You assume those with Children are untrustworthy and dishonest. These families have many obligations while bringing up their children, and the re imbursement approach is a time consuming process and regrettable for those families that sign up for this Limited Health Benefit. This Nation tried this approach last year and failed with the reimbursement policy, as payments were late or non-existent for those applying in the program and needing their spent funds in a timely manner.

We need to acknowledge that the times are hard on us all and especially for families, however, the opportunity to receive the needed help with their health needs.

How dare you presume the actions of others. Who are you the Gestapo?

This type of thinking instills instability for all Osages and the reason why we are so far behind other Native American Nations in everything we do. There is no trust from those in/out of office while they tend to judge others without proof or merit.

This was sent to the Osage News - Letter to the Editor 3-2-10

Health Benefit Card

 I have received the Osage Nation Health Limited Benefit Plan packet.

Re:   The Consent and Release for Membership Information Form:

Last Paragraph states:   I understand that, by signing this form, I am releasing the Nation and MAA from any and all liability as a result of the disclosure of my personal information. I understand the Nations’ sovereign protection, but who is this third party MAA?  

The Osage Health and Wellness Benefit Act is expected to be signed into law next week. The law, which calls for each Osage member to receive up to $500.00 in health and wellness benefits annually beginning January 1, 2009, has hit a funding roadblock. The funding bill,(ONCA 08-47) appropriates five million dollars to be made available from existing funds, is currently stuck in the Appropriations Committee. Committee Chair Anderson, and Congressman Supernaw, two of the three Congress members to vote against the legislation, voted with Congresswoman Branstetter against moving the funding bill to the floor so that it could be considered by the whole Congress. The move leaves the bill in a committee whose function under the Congressional Rules is to compile budgets, and may mean that Osages will not be able to receive the benefits authorized by the act.

Is for “health benefits ” or credit information.     

a.) There was no patients right (HIPAA) notice included.

b.) Is this amount taxable?     

c.) Why are there strings attached to this Osage health benefit?

d.) Is MAA an Osage owned business; if not did you seek out one?   

Re:   The Osage Health Needs of 2010 – I take exception of the required (not requested) personal proprietary questions as it is and none of any ones business.   .   The packet does not guarantee information will not be sold.    Personal information is just that “personal”, and if I choose to freely gives out information about any family member, or myself it will be my choice not yours, especially for the sum of $500.00.  

There is no explanation for the need of specific information. The original intent was simply to help ALL (key word is ALL) Osage people Health care needs no matter where they lived. There was no public discussions on required information gathering  

My Comments:   The article in the Osage News   for the Limited Health Benefit Plan:

I do not have children under the age of 18.   After reading Hepis Barnett statement in the Osage News on claims for minors will be on a reimbursement bases due to possible fraud is an insult to our families.

This statement is insensitive, thoughtless, and so far reaching in the intent toward the integrity and trust of its families.  You assume those with Children are untrustworthy and dishonest. These families have many obligations while bringing up their children, and the re imbursement approach is a time consuming process and regrettable for those families that sign up for this Limited Health Benefit.   This Nation tried this approach last year and failed with the reimbursement policy, as payments were late or non-existent for those applying in the program and needing their spent funds in a timely manner.

We need to acknowledge that the times are hard on us all and especially for families, however, the opportunity to receive the needed help with their health needs.   

How dare you presume the actions of others. Who are you the Gestapo?

 This type of thinking instills instability for all Osages and the reason why we are so far behind other Native American Nations in everything we do. There is no trust from those in/out of office while they tend to judge others without proof or merit.