Is it possible to access Indian Health Services (IHS) without having health insurance?

Discussion/Question

I’m 18 years old and a legal resident of New York State. I have my father’s tribe in New York and my mother’s tribe in Arizona. I’m also a part-time resident and non-resident in Arizona.

I have New York Child Health Plus and will eventually transition to New York AI/AN Medicaid when I turn 19 or 20.

My mother doesn’t use IHS and refuses to use her employer-sponsored plan. She won’t add me to the plan, even though her manager advises her to do so to save money.

When I was a minor, I used Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), which is known as “access.” However, now that I’m an adult and not a legal resident of Arizona (now New York), I’m unsure if I can continue using IHS. I was establishing primary care, and I know my appointment will refer me to another location, either Tuba City, Arizona, or Phoenix, Arizona, both of which are IHS facilities.

I wanted to confirm that I can use IHS without health insurance until I can obtain some later this year.

Posted Feb 25, 2026, 8:58 PM UTC

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