The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Option is a health plan managed by the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) to meet the primary care coordination needs of federally recognized Tribal members and others eligible for services through Indian Health Service (IHS). Only IHS-eligible beneficiaries associated with the EBCI can participate in this health plan. The EBCI Tribal Option will build on the Tribe’s strong medical model and deliver high quality care at the local level. The EBCI Tribal Option offers care coordination and management of Medicaid medical, behavioral health, pharmacy and support services to address the health needs of American Indian/Alaskan Native Medicaid beneficiaries. The EBCI Tribal Option is primarily offered in five counties: Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson and Swain. Eligible beneficiaries in the following surrounding counties may opt in: Buncombe, Clay, Henderson, Macon, Madison and Transylvania.
