What is Purchased/Referred Care (PRC)?

Formerly known as Contract Health Services, Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) is a benefit to Alaska Native and American Indian people that provides funding for referred medical services not available at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC). Following ANMC PRC’s policies and procedures may allow us to assist with the cost of medical services received from non-ANMC facilities and providers.

Who is Eligible?

  • Alaska Native and American Indian people who are Alaska residents for 180 days prior to the date of service and have the intent to remain in Alaska indefinitely.
  • Alaska Native and American Indian people who meet ANTHC’s eligibility policy requirements.
  • Non-Alaska Native and American Indian women pregnant with an eligible Alaska Native and American Indian’s child.
  • Children of an eligible Alaska Native and American Indian people, including non-Alaska Native and American Indian foster children, adopted children, stepchildren, legal wards or orphans, until age 19.

Referral Process

What is the referral process for routine scheduled care?

  • Visit your primary care provider and if necessary, they will refer you to ANTHC.
  • An ANTHC physician must initiate all non-Tribal health facility referrals.
  • All patients are screened for Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance. If eligible, a Health Benefit Specialist will help patients apply.
  • ANMC specialty clinic services [PDF]

What is the process for emergency medical care?

In an emergency seek medical attention first, it is the responsibility of the patient or the patients family to notify ANTHC PRC within 72 hours of any treatment received outside of ANMC. Anyone acting on behalf of the patient can make the call. Coverage for those traveling outside of Alaska is limited to emergency medical care.

Emergency medical coverage is provided for:

  • Eligible beneficiaries traveling outside of Anchorage who need emergent care at a non-tribal facility.
  • People moving outside Alaska (up to 180 days) other than residents of Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC), Metlakatla Indian Community (MIC) or SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC).
  • Travelers, temporarily outside Alaska, other than residents of TCC, KIC, MIC or SEARHC.
  • Full-time students registered with PRC, other than residents of TCC, KIC or MIC.

What is not covered?

  • Services from non-Tribal health facilities if an IHS facility or Tribal health facility was open and available to provide the needed care.
  • Medical services (including follow-up appointments) provided by a non-Tribal healthcare provider that has not been referred by an ANTHC physician and authorized by PRC.
  • Obstetric deliveries at private hospitals not referred by an ANTHC physician and authorized by PRC.
  • Inpatient or outpatient mental health services.
  • Inpatient or outpatient substance abuse programs.
  • Second opinions.
  • Medical care considered investigational or experimental.
  • Nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
  • Routine and emergent dental services.
  • Medical services received in other Alaska PRC service areas, such as Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Kenai, Homer, Kodiak, Seward, Ketchikan, Valdez, Palmer, Wasilla, etc., unless authorized by ANTHC PRC. Contact the respective PRC program for that area for assistance.

Emergency Care Notification Form

Contact Us