This page explains how Medicare works with the health programs of the Coquille Indian Tribe. It is published by Benefits Life, a licensed insurance agency. We are not affiliated with the tribe. For tribal eligibility, benefits and current hours, contact the tribe's health programs directly.
Ko-Kwel Wellness Center
The tribe's government offices are at 3050 Tremont Street in North Bend, in Coos County. Its clinic, the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center, was completed in summer 2021 on the tribe's Kilkich Reservation near Charleston (541-888-9494). The tribe says the center:
- offers primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services and an onsite pharmacy;
- serves Coquille tribal families, members of other federally recognized tribes, Coquille tribal employees and, as capacity allows, the general public;
- is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
When the center was built, the tribe said it would welcome patients using Medicare, the Oregon Health Plan or private insurance.
Referred care and Medicare
When you need care the center doesn't provide, ask the tribe's health staff how referred care works for you. Under federal rules, the Indian Health Service, including Purchased/Referred Care, is the payer of last resort: it does not pay when Medicare, Medicaid or other coverage would pay (42 CFR 136.61). With Medicare, outside providers bill Medicare first. Ask before you schedule outside care whether you need approval.
How Medicare works with your Coquille care
- Medicare pays your clinic. CMS says you can keep using your Indian health care provider, and the provider bills Medicare for you.
- Part B. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026. Tribal health care is not employer coverage, so it doesn't let you delay Part B without a late enrollment penalty.
- Part D. Drug coverage from IHS, a tribe or an urban Indian organization counts as creditable coverage, so you won't pay a Part D late penalty for the months you had it (42 CFR 423.56). Every Part D plan must offer contract terms to Indian health pharmacies in its area; ask the center's pharmacy which plans it works with.
- No special enrollment rules. Tribal members use the same enrollment periods as everyone else. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.
- Help paying. If your income is limited, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help or the Oregon Health Plan.
Medicare plans in Coos County
CMS data list just 1 Medicare Advantage plan open to everyone in Coos County for 2027. Ask the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center whether it works with that plan before you enroll; CMS advises checking with your Indian health care provider first. Original Medicare pays any provider in the country that accepts Medicare, and many people add one of the 8 standalone Part D plans sold in Oregon. See Medicare in Coos County and tribal health and Medicare in Oregon.
Where to get help
- The Ko-Kwel Wellness Center, for questions about your tribal health benefits.
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048) or Medicare.gov.
- Social Security, 1-800-772-1213, to sign up for Part A and Part B.
- To compare your options, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see licensed insurance agents in Oregon.
See all Oregon tribal Medicare guides.
Sources
- Coquille Indian Tribe — Wellness center receives accreditation
- Coquille Indian Tribe — Ko-Kwel Wellness Center
- Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon Blue Book — Coquille Indian Tribe
- CMS — Important Facts about Medicare for American Indians and Alaska Natives
- CMS — Medicare and Tribal Medicare Beneficiaries: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- CMS — CY2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files
- 42 CFR 136.61 — Payor of last resort
- 42 CFR 423.56 — Creditable prescription drug coverage
Frequently asked questions
Do Coquille members need to enroll in Medicare?
Medicare is your choice, but tribal health care is not insurance. Medicare covers care anywhere in the country and pays the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center for covered services, and federal rules make IHS-funded referred care the payer of last resort.
Does the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center take Medicare?
Yes. The tribe said when the center was built that it would welcome patients using Medicare, the Oregon Health Plan or private insurance. It offers primary care, dental, behavioral health and an onsite pharmacy; call 541-888-9494.
Are there special Medicare enrollment periods for tribal members?
No. American Indians and Alaska Natives use the same Medicare enrollment periods as everyone else: the Initial Enrollment Period around age 65, Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are in Coos County?
CMS data list 1 Medicare Advantage plan open to everyone in Coos County for 2027. Ask the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center whether it works with that plan before you enroll.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
