Health Services Clerk – Trudy Maness
The main focus of Trudy’s position is to help you with your medical transportation needs and to help you navigate Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits System.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program has launched an email subscription service that allows clients and other web users to receive e-mail notifications when NIHB posts new Program Updates. These quarterly updates provide the latest news about NIHB coverage, and share tips and reminders to help clients access benefits (the next update will be posted on March 13).
You can access the subscription page at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/non-insured-health-benefits-first-nations-inuit/subscribe-updates.html
Please read this important information regarding the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program Update!!
Your Voice Matters!
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), working in partnership with Health Canada – First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) is undertaking a review of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program across nine regions, and would like to request participation of community members in the review. The national review will be conducted on six benefit areas:
Kāhui Tautoko Consulting Ltd (KTCL) has been contracted by the AFN to undertake this review. KTCL is a consultancy based in Vancouver, BC, specializing in First Nations health and community development projects and has undertaken NIHB reviews previously.
The AFN and KTCL wants to hear from you! Please see the following link to make your voice heard. We would like to see change happen, but in order to make these changes, we need to know how NIHB has been for you and your family and what difficulties and/or suggestions for improvement you feel would make a difference.
Thank you.
Link: AFN/FNIHB Joint Review of NIHB
NIHB Program Updates…
Please see the following links for updates regarding the NIHB Program. Of special interest to all will be the June 2016 Client Newsletter – Please check this out as your Pharmacist may now be able to prescribe or recommend certain products/medications that you may need. You will not have to go to your physician first to obtain a prescription. Simply take your status card with you to the pharmacy and speak to him/her about your needs.
Link: Health Canada – First Nations and Inuit Health – Non-Insured Health Benefits Program Update
Alternate PDF Format Links:
Non-Insured Health Benefits Explained
There are a number of health-related goods and services that are not insured by provinces and territories or other private insurance plans, for example, OHIP. To support First Nations people and Inuit in reaching an overall health status that is comparable with other Canadians, Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for a limited range of these goods and services when they are not insured elsewhere. The NIHB Program is also designed to help First Nations maintain their health, prevent disease and detect and manage illnesses, injuries and disabilities.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada’s national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention-mental health counseling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.
The NIHB Program will provide coverage for a limited range of medically necessary goods and services to registered members. It may repay some or all of the costs incurred when health care programs, products or services are purchased. This includes a range of medical, dental and pharmacy services when they are not covered by provincial or other third party health plans.
Benefits of the NIHB Program include:
Important Client Information
When you call or see a health care service provider, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. You need to make sure you are eligible for benefit coverage for the health program, service or product you need. You do not want to end up with out-of-pocket expenses for something that was provided to you by one of the NIHB service providers.
Please ask the provider if:
If you have any concerns or questions about your eligibility for a medical item, supply, service and/or travel provided under the NIHB Program, please call:
We will also be posting links to much of the information that Health Canada has published regarding benefits in the coming months. You will want to check back often to see these links. In this information, you will find the answers to many of the questions you may have regarding benefits also.
Medical Transportation Benefit Information
Aamjiwnaang First Nation has two benefit areas in the Medical Transportation Program. They are:
Please watch the new, up-and coming Aamjiwnaang First Nation Website for future links to additional information regarding Medical Transportation Benefits. We will be posting links to the Medical Transportation Policies. These policies will help to further explain everything you need to know about your medical transportation benefits.
