SEATTLE – Fourteen Native governments in Washington state have each received $1,000 grants to help Medicare and Medicaid clients understand their benefits and navigate options for long-term care, including community-based services that can help them remain in their homes.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department awarded $1.2 million in grants in Washington state and $68 million nationwide to support community living for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“When it comes to long-term health care, each patient has a unique mix of medical and social needs that must be considered,” said Dr. Donald Berwick, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “Helping patients and their families understand (their) options will help them make informed decisions about long-term care that are in the patient’s best interests.”

Recipients of the $1,000 grants include: Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Makah Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Puyallup Tribal Health Authority, Quinault Indian Nation, Samish Indian Nation, South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency (Nisqually, Shoalwater Bay, Squaxin Island), Spokane Tribe of Indians, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Richard Walker is a correspondent reporting from San Juan Island, Wash. Contact him at rmwalker@rockisland.com.