Purchased & Referred Care
At Lassen Indian Health Center, we are proud to be able to offer our patients our Purchased & Referred Care Program in order to assist our patients in receiving comprehensive healthcare.
Purchased & Referred Care
What is the Purchased & Referred Care Program?
Purchased & Referred Care (PRC) is a benefit available to our American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) patients. Most medical and dental services offered by the Lassen Indian Health Center are considered “Direct Care.” However, should a tribal member need a specialty service that is not available at LIHC, a referral may be required. The LIHC Purchased and Referred Care Specialist assists with medical referrals and manages payments provided for eligible beneficiaries.
In order to receive assistance from Purchased & Referred Care, it is important to understand the process and guidelines. All qualifications must be met before services are rendered. Since funds are limited, there are mandatory federal guidelines that must be followed.
PRC Service Delivery Area
The Lassen Indian Health Center offers Purchased and Referred Care within the following service delivery area:
- Bieber
- Doyle
- Herlong
- Janesville
- Litchfield
- Madeline
- Milford
- Nubieber
- Ravendale
- Standish
- Susanville
- Termo
- Wendel
- Westwood
Purchased & Referred Care Eligibility
Read below to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Eligibility Checklist
Eligible beneficiaries are determined according to the Indian Health Service’s eligibility policy. Generally, to be eligible for Lassen Indian Health Center’s Purchased & Referred Care you must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
- Proof of residency in Lassen County – P.O. Boxes are not accepted
- Proof of insurance coverage
- AI/AN tribal verification
- Active patient at LIHC
- Have had an annual physical
- Valid referral
Before receiving services, the patient must obtain a valid referral from the LIHC provider and the PRC Specialist must be contacted in order to check eligibility so that the patient avoids receiving a bill for specialty services. The Purchase and Referred Care Specialist will verify patient eligibility and confirm that the specialty services are covered.
What is the Referral Process?
- The medical provider at LIHC will make a referral for the patient to see a specialist.
- Patient is to contact the PRC Specialist to check for eligibility and coverage.
- The PRC Specialist will process the referral and mail a copy of the referral to the patient.
Important Notice: PRC is Changing Travel Assistance Policy
As of August 1, 2024, Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) will only be assisting with Level 1 Travel Assistance which covers emergency or acutely urgent care services. Please read the following notice to learn more about the Level 1 definition and its categories of services.
Please download flyer for full details.
For more information, please contact Darlene Jack in the Purchased and Referred Care Department at (530) 252-4630 or djack@lihc.org
Download Flyer
Important Notice: PRC Eligibility Change, Starting January 1, 2025
This notice is intended to inform you of recent changes to the Lassen Indian Health Center (LIHC) Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Program. Starting January 1, 2025, changes to eligibility will take effect. Please download the PRC Notice for complete details. For any questions, simply contact the PRC department and our dedicated specialists would be happy to help.
Download Flyer
How to Contact the PRC Department
Purchased & Referred Care Staff
Darlene Jack
PRC Manager/Health Benefit Coordinator
Felicia Burriel
PRC Specialist/ Health Benefit Coordinator
Darlene Yost
PRC Specialist/ Health Benefit Coordinator
Makyla Riemann
PRC/HBC Assistant