The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians continues construction on a health and wellness center. Photo from Pokagon Band

Officials in Indiana met with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians on Tuesday to discuss changes in the Medicaid program.

The meeting came after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services returned the state's waiver application for failing to consult with the tribe. New Mexico and Kansas ran into similar problems with their tribes but officials in Indiana claim they were told they didn't have to seek the input of the Pokagon Band.

The Pokagons, whose 10-county service area reaches in Indiana, raised concerns about the proposed changes. The tribe is suggesting all Native Americans receive an exemption, something that has occurred in other states.

The state has been operating the Healthy Indiana Plan under a waiver previously granted in 2008 and extended in 2012 and 2013. The proposed changes will be known as HIP 2.0.

Get the Story:
Feds require state to talk to Native Americans for HIP 2.0 plan (The Indianapolis Business Journal 8/6)
Feds return Indiana Medicaid waiver request (AP 8/6)