Incorporated in 1973, the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC) began managing and operating Kanakanak Hospital and the Bristol Bay Service Unit for the Indian Health Service (IHS) in 1980. It was the first tribal organization in the United States to do so under P.L. 93-638, the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act.
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Services Offered
Behavioral Health Center
Some reasons to see our Behavioral Health Clinicians: - Problem-solving stressful life problems - Stress reduction skills, such as relaxation techniques to improve quality of sleep and mental focus - Assistance with behavior changes to help manage chronic problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression - Skilled training to improve marital and parent-child relationships - Strategies for coping with negative emotions, harmful behaviors and thoughts - Or if you are concerned that someone is going to commit suicide
Behavioral Health Center Services > Child and Adolescent Services > Community Services Program (to support the chronically mentally ill population) > Emergency Mental Health Crisis Services > Individual, Couple and Family Counseling > Psychiatric Services > Suicide Education, Prevention, and Support for Survivors and their Families > Village Outreach and Counseling Services, Mental Health Emergency Services
Fees and Payment
Billing In order to supplement its Indian Health Services funds, BBAHC bills Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance companies for all eligible medical, dental and substance abuse services that can be reimbursed. If you have "third party" insurance (such as Blue Cross Blue Shield), BBAHC will bill them for covered services. Funds from third party reimbursements help BBAHC maintain present services as well as to expand and improve services.
IHS patients do not receive a statement for IHS covered services as these services are pre-paid by the Indian Health Service. Shortly after receiving services at one of our facilities, you will receive your "Personal Account Statement", this statement is issued at the same time your charges are submitted to your insurance carrier. If you received services at Kanakanak Hospital or one of BBAHC's village clinics, your medical charges are managed through the Patient Accounts Department. You may receive separate bills from other professional service providers involved in your hospital care.
Sliding Fee Discount Program: BBAHC offers a sliding discount for certain medical services. The discount is based on income and if qualified, can reduce self-pay amounts owed from 25% to 100%. Please note that prescription refills are not covered.
For those who seek treatment at the Community Health Center at Kanakanak Hospital, you may qualify for the sliding fee discount based on your income. In order to be considered you must verify your estimated annual income each year. This health discount is available for all residents and non residents who visit our clinics in the Togiak or Chignik sub-regions and is based on your income level.
For those who seek treatment at clinics in the Togiak Sub-Region (Togiak, Manokotak, Twin Hills, Goodnews and Platinum) or the Southern Region Sub-Region (Chignik Bay, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, and Perryville), you may qualify for the sliding fee discount based on your income. In order to be considered you must verify your estimated annual income each year. This health discount is available for all residents and non residents who visit our clinics in the Togiak or Chignik sub-regions and is based on your income level.
The sliding fee discount for health services is only applicable at the clinics in the sub-region. If you have been referred by a health provider to another health care facility outside the sub-regions, then your discount will not be applicable. Pharmaceuticals are also discounted, however all discounted meds have to be at the clinic in the Togiak or Chignik sub-regions, not special ordered.
Payment Contracts: BBAHC offers payment contracts for those who cannot fully pay off their self-pay balances within 30 days. To make payment arrangements, please contact Patient Accounts at (907) 842-9201.
If You Have Health Insurance If you have health insurance please be sure to bring a copy of your insurance identification card when you register for services at Kanakanak Hospital or any of BBAHC's clinics.
If You Are Covered by Medicare BBAHC will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify your eligibility and to process your Medicare claim. Medicare is a federal program that generally covers those 65 or older, certain people on Social Security disability and some people with permanent kidney failure. Medicare can provide basic coverage for hospital stays, doctor and laboratory costs, and can include medical equipment and physical therapy.
If you have Medicare Part D (pharmacy coverage), we will also need a copy of the insurance card as that information is not listed on your regular Medicare card. For more information, you can access the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
If You Are Covered by Medicaid or Denali KidCare As with other health coverage we require a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid covers low-income and financially needy people, including those over 65 who are also on Medicare. Generally, Medicaid covers services and costs Medicare does not (this might include prescription drugs, diagnostic and preventive care and eyeglasses).
Denali KidCare provides health insurance coverage for children and teens through age 18 (and for pregnant women who meet income guidelines) at no cost. Denali KidCare children and teens receive a full range of prevention and treatment services including: vision exams & eyeglasses, dental checkups, hearing tests, mental health therapy, substance abuse treatment, prescriptions and medical transportation. Denali KidCare website
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from Alaska's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Alaska's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
