the front enterance of the Curry Health Center on a sunny day surrounded by tree

Curry Health Center

Navigating Healthcare for Native Students

We're committed to supporting every UM student. While some processes and requirements may vary, our goal remains the same: helping you stay healthy, connected, and successful. Read on to learn how to access services tailored to your student experience.

Starting college often means managing your own healthcare for the first time. If you receive healthcare through your Tribe, Indian Health Service (IHS), an Urban Indian Health Program, Medicaid, or private insurance, Curry Health Center is here to help you understand your options. 

If You Receive Care Through Your Tribe or Indian Health Service (IHS) 

Many Indigenous students receive healthcare through a Tribal Health Program, Indian Health Service (IHS), or an Urban Indian Health Program. If that's you, you may be able to use your benefits while attending the University of Montana. 

Curry Health Center is an approved provider for many Indian Health Service Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) programs. 

Before You Come to UM 

If you receive healthcare through your Tribe or Indian Health Service (IHS), here are a few things you can do before moving to campus: 

  • Save the phone number for your Tribal Health or IHS Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) office.  
  • Ask whether you need a referral or approval before receiving care in Missoula. 
  • Bring your health insurance card, Medicaid card, or PRC documentation with you. 
  • Upload your insurance information to the Curry Health Center Patient Portal when you arrive. 
  • If you're unsure about anything, call Curry Health Center (406-243-2122). We're happy to help. 

Before You Receive Care 

Each Tribe has its own Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) policies, so it's important to contact your Tribal Health or IHS PRC office before your appointment. 

Your PRC office can help you determine: 

  • Whether Curry Health Center is covered under your Tribe's PRC program 
  • If you need approval or a referral before each visit 
  • What services your PRC program covers 

Coverage varies by Tribe but may include: 

  • Medical care 
  • Counseling services 
  • Dental care 

What You'll Need To Do

  • Provide Curry Health Center with your PRC eligibility documentation. 
  • Contact your Tribal Health or IHS PRC office before your appointment if approval is required. 
  • Keep your contact information updated with both Curry Health Center and your PRC office. 

How Insurance Billing Works

After your visit: 

  • Charges are first placed on your student account. 
  • Curry Health Center will submit billing paperwork to your PRC office as a courtesy. 
  • Your Tribe or IHS PRC office decides whether the charges are covered. 

Please remember that submitting paperwork does not guarantee payment. If PRC does not cover a service, you are responsible for any remaining balance. 

Seeking Services at Curry Health Center

Medical 

The Curry Health Center Medical Clinic accepts many health insurance plans and bills insurance directly. 

We currently accept: 

  • Montana Medicaid 
  • AcademicBlue (UM Student Health Insurance Plan) 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield 
  • Cigna Medical (through Allegiance Provider Direct) 
  • First Choice Health Network 
  • Mountain Health Co-op 
  • PacificSource 
  • TriCare 
  • TriWest 
  • United Healthcare 

Before your appointment 

Please: 

  • Upload your insurance card(s) through the Patient Portal, or 
  • Bring your insurance card with you. 

If you're not sure which insurance you have or how to use it, we can help.

Learn more about insurance support.

Counseling Services 

College can be exciting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. You don't have to handle everything on your own. 

Counseling appointments are $20 per session, making mental healthcare affordable for students. 

In addition to counseling, Curry Health Center offers: 

  • A counseling space that supports traditional smudging practices 
  • Weekly Talking Circles each semester at the Payne Family Native American Center 
  • Partnerships with American Indian Student Services (AISS) and the American Indian Support and Development Council (AISDC) 
  • Culturally informed outreach, education, consultation, and referrals 

These services are designed to support your wellbeing, cultural connection, healing, and academic success. 

Learn more or sign up for Talking Circle. 

Dental

The Curry Health Center Dental Clinic offers dental care at rates that are generally 50–65% lower than many private dental offices. 

Insurance Information:

  • Montana Medicaid is accepted and billed directly. 
  • If you have dental insurance, Curry Health Center will submit claims for you. 
  • If your Tribe's PRC program covers dental care, be sure to contact your Tribal PRC office before your appointment to learn about any approval requirements. 

Coverage depends on your individual insurance plan or Tribal PRC program. 

Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) 

If you've experienced sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, discrimination, or other identity-based harm, SARC is here to support you. 

Services are: 

  • Free 
  • Confidential 
  • Available regardless of insurance 

SARC offers: 

  • Confidential advocacy 
  • Resource navigation 
  • Referrals 
  • Help connecting with campus and community resources 

Schedule an appointment with a SARC Advocate.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing services are available to all UM students at no cost. 

These services include: 

  • Wellbeing Support Coaching 
  • Health and wellness resources 
  • Prevention education 
  • Personalized support 

No insurance is required, and no insurance claims are submitted. 

Learn more about Wellbeing Support Coaching and schedule your first appointment. 

Indigenous Healthcare in Missoula: All Nations Health Center

If you're looking for healthcare in a culturally grounded, Indigenous-led setting, All Nations Health Center is another great resource while you're attending UM. 

All Nations Health Center is an Urban Indian Organization that provides healthcare through an Indigenous lens while operating under the standards and values of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Their mission is to support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of Native people and the surrounding community. American Indian and Alaska Native patients are a priority population, and everyone is welcome to receive care.  

Services Available 

All Nations offers many of the same services you may receive through your Tribal Health Program or IHS clinic, including: 

  • Primary medical care 
  • Annual wellness visits 
  • Acute illness and injury care 
  • Women's health and family planning 
  • Diabetes management 
  • Immunizations 
  • Laboratory services 
  • Behavioral health counseling 
  • Substance use support 
  • Dental care 
  • Health promotion and prevention programs 
  • Referrals for specialty care when needed 

Traditional Healing and Cultural Wellness 

In addition to medical care, All Nations incorporates Indigenous approaches to healing and wellness. Depending on programming and availability, students may have opportunities to participate in: 

  • Traditional healing activities 
  • Smudging 
  • Sweat Lodge series 
  • Cultural gatherings 
  • Community wellness events 

Behavioral health services are trauma-informed, culturally centered, and recognize the importance of identity, family, community, and culture in healing.  

Can I Use My Tribal or IHS Benefits? 

Many Indigenous students can receive care at All Nations Health Center while attending UM. However, coverage for specialty care, referrals, and other services outside of All Nations may vary depending on your Tribe, Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program, and insurance coverage.

If you currently receive care through an IHS or Tribal Health Program in your home community, it's important to know that referral eligibility does not always transfer when you move to Missoula for school. For example, a referral that is available through your local IHS or Tribal Health Program at home may not be available through All Nations Health Center.

Because every Tribe's PRC program has different eligibility and coverage requirements, we encourage you to contact your Tribal Health or PRC office before scheduling care if you have questions about what services will be covered while you're attending UM.

If you're not sure where to start, the staff at All Nations can help explain your options and connect you with available resources.

 

When Should I Go to Curry Health Center vs. All Nations? 

You can choose the healthcare provider that best meets your needs. 

Curry Health Center may be a good option when you: 

  • Want healthcare close to your classes or residence hall. 
  • Need same-day or convenient campus appointments. 
  • Want to use your student health insurance or campus health services. 

All Nations Health Center may be a good option when you: 

  • Prefer receiving care in an Indigenous led, culturally grounded healthcare setting. 
  • Already receive care through Tribal Health, IHS, or an Urban Indian Health Organization. 
  • Want access to traditional healing opportunities alongside medical and behavioral healthcare.

Contact Information 

All Nations Health Center 
Medical & Behavioral Health 
830 W. Central Avenue 
Missoula, MT 59801 

Dental Clinic 
2100 Stephens Avenue, Suite 105 
Missoula, MT 59801 

Phone: (406) 829-9515 | All Nations Health Center website