Native Americans who receive health care through the Indian Health Service might think signing up for federal Medicare programs might seem redundant and costly. But for many elders over 65, it could add up to a significant cost savings and improve care in the long run. Medicare, for instance, can help cover the cost of prescriptions that IHS might not. The program has a reputation as being complicated, but elder advocates say it’s usually worth the effort and there are lots of resources to help.