Assistance with eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids is available to tribal members nationwide

Eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids can be financially straining for millions of people in the U.S. who use them. Fortunately for Choctaw tribal members, there is a program aimed at easing that burden.

The Eyeglasses, Dentures and Hearing Aid Program (EDH) was established by the Choctaw Nation and was historically open only to tribal members who lived within the Choctaw Nation Reservation. In 2005, however, the program was expanded to tribal members living nationwide.

Kayla Williams, director of the Patient Relations program, said the program began being administered through the Tribe’s Health Services division in 2011 and became a component of its Patient Relations Program.

Before 2016, program participants needed to be 55 or older to receive eyeglasses, dentures or hearing aids. However, the age limit was dropped, and now, tribal members of all ages are welcome to apply for services.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the EDH portion of the program assisted 15,681 tribal members. In FY23, a total of 15,546 tribal members were assisted, and 17,016 tribal members were assisted in FY24, of which 14,184 members were assisted with glasses. Of that number, 9,071 members received glasses through the Choctaw Nation’s optometry clinics. Choctaw Nation Health Care Authority (CNHSA) has optometry clinics in Durant, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Poteau, Stigler and Talihina.

Through the program, eligible tribal members can receive one pair of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses every two years. Participants with diabetes may be eligible to receive eyeglasses once a year if their prescription changes and they are actively being treated for the disease (a note from the primary doctor must be on file).

Choctaw Nation health clinics do not make dentures or partials, so an outside provider can be used for those services.

Many tribal clinics throughout the country provide optometry and audiology services, and participants outside the reservation area may use those facilities if desired. The tribal member decides on the provider they choose. If the provider is willing to provide a W-9 form and will invoice and accept payment from Choctaw Nation, the provider will be approved.

Payment for services is made directly to the provider and cannot be made to the tribal member, as reimbursements are not allowed.

The program leaves it up to the tribal member to determine whether the facility is willing to work with and accept payment from the Choctaw Nation. The program does not make provider recommendations but will explain the amounts paid for each service and advise the member to shop for the best pricing. If a balance is owed to the chosen provider after what Choctaw Nation pays, the tribal member is responsible for payment.

The EDH/Patient Relations Program is staffed with caring individuals who strive to strengthen, personalize, and enhance relationships among patients and Choctaw Nation Health Services staff. Patient Relations may also be able to assist with limited financial assistance to eligible Choctaw tribal members when denied through contract health for medical/dental bills (extractions, root canals, crowns, etc.) and durable medical equipment for eligible participants.

The program pays after insurance for those with coverage. Patient Relations is the payer of last resort.

For assistance with eyeglasses, staff will verify tribal membership and determine eligibility in the Patient Relations database, looking at last paid invoice, if any, for the patient and verifying that it has been two years since the previous date of service.

When visiting a Choctaw Nation optometry or audiology clinic for eyeglasses and hearing aids, the clinic will submit the EDH application on the tribal member’s behalf.

Since Choctaw Nation clinics do not make dentures or partials, the tribal member must call us to complete the application process.

The Patient Relations Department has offices located in Durant, McAlester, and Talihina.

To apply for the EDH program, please call one of the locations listed below:

Choctaw Nation Regional Medical Clinic

1801 Chukka Hina
Durant OK 74701
580-924-9704

McAlester Patient Relations

1414 E. Wade Watts Blvd.
McAlester OK 74501
918-426-4125

Talihina Health Care Center

One Choctaw Way
Talihina, OK 74571
918-567-7000