My name is Tammy Barbour and I am the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigator for the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC). I want to share some important information about NIHB. But first, lets make sure that everyone knows what is NIHB and what are the benefits.
NIHB is a publicly funded National program that provides coverage to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for medically necessary items and services that are not covered by provincial or territorial plans and programs. NIHB provides the following benefits:
- Prescription Drugs;
- Dental Services;
- Vision Care;
- Medical Supplies and Equipment;
- Medical Transportation; and
- Mental Health Counselling.
NIHB is delivered through the First Nations Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). Prior to 2000, health benefits were administered through the Medical Service Branch within the Department of Indian Affairs. Now FNIHB and NIHB have been moved to the newly established Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
The NIHB program is continually changing its benefits and coverage based upon medical needs, and “professional medical and dental judgement.” There are formularies, policies, and national and regional benefit disbursements which form the NIHB Benefit lists. The NIHB Benefits list is difficult because of the medical terms, language and format. This makes it challenging to know what is covered by NIHB and ...
