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Muscogee Nation Launches First Tribally Owned Medicare Advantage Plan

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The Muscogee (Creek) Nation announced Native Advantage on Oct. 15 in Tulsa, describing it as the country’s first and only tribally owned Medicare Advantage plan.

Owned and operated by the Nation, the plan aims to expand healthcare choices while helping Native patients continue receiving care within the Tribal healthcare system.

At a press conference at the Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare complex, Principal Chief David Hill said the launch reflects years of planning and collaboration to improve access and invest in healthier communities.

Secretary of Health Shawn Terry said national Medicare Advantage plans had steered some patients away from Tribal facilities and their existing doctors. Native Advantage was developed to address that problem, allowing Native Medicare patients to stay connected with providers in the Tribal system.

The plan is open to eligible residents regardless of Tribal citizenship. According to Mvskoke Media, participants must already have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in one of 11 Oklahoma counties: Creek, Hughes, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa, or Wagoner.

The Medicare Advantage HMO plan bundles Part A and Part B coverage and includes prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and wellness services. Additional benefits may include expanded dental and vision services and rides for medical transportation.

The Nation’s National Council unanimously approved legislation establishing Native Advantage Inc. on Jan. 31, 2026. A board of directors oversees the company, subject to National Council approval.

Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Information is available at nativeadvantage.com.

Sources:

  • Mvskoke Media, Alex Garrett, “Native Advantage announced as first tribally owned Medicare Advantage plan,” Oct. 16, 2026.
  • Native News Online, Elyse Wild, “First Tribally Owned Medicare Advantage Plan Launches,” Oct. 19, 2026.
  • NativeAdvantage.com
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Miiskogihmiiwan “Miisko” Poupart-Chapman is a Dakota and Ojibwe writer, artist, and social media coordinator for The Circle. She is Dakota from the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, an enrolled member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Bear Clan. Her work celebrates Indigenous voices, creativity, and community.

This reporting is made possible by readers like you.

The Circle is a nonprofit newsroom with no tribal affiliation, no corporate ownership, and no paywall. Independent Native journalism depends on reader support.

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