Purchased/Referred Care (PRC), formerly known as Contract Health Services, helps cover medical and dental services that UIHS cannot provide directly. Because PRC funds are limited and come from the federal government, eligibility is carefully defined.

You may be eligible for PRC if you meet all of the following:

• You are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
• A descendant of a tribal member enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
• You live within the UIHS Purchase Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA), which includes Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.
• You have completed UIHS patient registration and keep your information up to date.

• PRC is not an entitlement program—funding is limited and services must be prior-authorized (except in emergencies).
• PRC only pays for care that UIHS cannot provide, and referrals must be made by a UIHS provider.
• Emergency services may be covered if UIHS is notified within 72 hours (30 days for elders and disabled patients).

• Tribal members who live outside the UIHS PRCDA.
• Patients who are eligible for care but do not follow UIHS referral and authorization procedures.
• Individuals who are members of an out-of-state tribe with the exceptions of : 1) working full-time for a tribal organizations in UIHS PRC’s service area,  or 2)  Individuals who are married to an eligible UIHS PRC client.
• Individuals who are non-native, unless they are pregnant by an eligible UIHS PRC client.

If you have questions about PRC or want to confirm your eligibility, please contact the UIHS Purchased/Referred Care department at 707-825-5080. Staff can explain requirements, help with paperwork, and guide you through the referral process.