Health Services
Benefits Information:
Health Canada provides eligible First Nations people and Inuit with a range of medically necessary health-related goods and services when they are not covered through private insurance plans or provincial, territorial health and social programs.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis counselling, dental care, vision care, and medical transportation.
A benefit will be considered for coverage when:
- The item or service is on a NIHB Program benefit list or schedule;
- It is intended for use in a home or other ambulatory care settings;
- Prior approval or predetermination is obtained (if required);
- It is not available through any other federal, provincial, territorial, or private health or social program;
- The item is prescribed by a physician, dental care provider, or other health professional licensed to prescribe; and
- The item is provided by a recognized provider.
Eligible Recipient:
An eligible recipient is someone who is entitled to receive benefits such as vision care, prescription drugs or other benefits or services from the NIHB Program.
An eligible recipient must be a resident of Canada and one of the following:
- A registered Indian according to the Indian Act;
- An Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations; or
- An infant less than one year of age, whose parent is an eligible recipient.
When recipients are eligible for benefits under a private health care plan, or public health or social program, claims must be submitted to these plans and programs first before submitting to Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
Recipient Reimbursement
Service providers are encouraged to bill the Program directly so that recipients do not face charges at the point of service when receiving health care goods or services.
When a recipient does pay directly for goods or services, he or she may seek reimbursement from the NIHB Program. Requests for reimbursement must be received on a NIHB Client Reimbursement Request Form, within one year from the date of service or date of purchase.
All requests for reimbursement of eligible benefits must include:
- Original receipts with cost breakdown (for example: dispensing fees, unit cost, and the Drug Identification Number (DIN) for drugs);
- Recipient's name, address, identification number (the treaty/status, nine or ten digit number, 'N' or 'B' number), band name and family number or other health care number;
- A copy of the prescription, and;
- A completed recipient authorization section on the NIHB Client Reimbursement Request Form (available from Shuswap Band Office).
NOTE TO MEMBERS: Your Shuswap CHR can advise you on other programs and assistance that may be available (such as referrals to counselling).
Please contact the Band Office as your first step to determine your needs, eligibility and available services.
We ask that you plan well in advance if you need medical transportation so that we can help you arrange the safest transportation to the medical facility or office.
Shuswap Indian Band Contact:
Shuswap Band Administration Office
P.O. Box 790
Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Tel: (250) 342-6361
Fax: (250) 342-2948
Email: administration@shuswapband.net
Links:
Health Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health