Eligibility
To receive NIHB, the individual must be identified as a Canadian resident, and either:

• a registered Indian according to the Indian Act,
• an Inuk recognised by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations, or
• an infant less than one year of age, whose parent is eligible.

Recipients who are eligible for private health care plans or another public health plan must submit any claims for coverage to those plans before submitting to NIHB. For example, a BC resident should submit claims through private insurance or Pharmacare before making a claim to NIHB.

Coverage
Benefits will be considered for coverage when the following are true about the item or service:

• it is on a NIHB program benefit list or schedule
• it is intended for use at home or in an ambulatory care setting
• prior approval is obtained (when required)
• it is not available through any other federal, provincial, territorial or private health plan
• it is prescribed by a physician, dental care provider, or other health professional
• it is provided by a recognized provider

Recipient Reimbursement
Service providers are encouraged to bill the NIHB program directly so that recipients avoid charges at the point of service. If a recipient is charged, they can apply for reimbursement within one year of the date of service. If a benefit is denied, recipients or their parent/guardian can make an appeal.

Medical Supplies and Equipment (MS&E)
When they have been prescribed by a licensed physician or medical specialist, NIHB covers eligible clients for the following services:

• audiology items
• medical equipment including wheelchairs and walkers
• medical supplies like bandages and dressings
• orthotics and custom footwear
• pressure garments
• prosthetics
• oxygen therapy
• respiratory therapy

Ostomy Supplies & Prior Approval
Under the MS&E structure, many ostomy supplies are covered by NIHB. A full list is available with recommended replacement guidelines.

Under NIHB, ostomy supplies require prior approval to receive coverage. To gain prior approval, the provider needs to contact the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Regional Office and submit the NIHB General Medical Supplies and Equipment Prior Approval Form. The prescription and other supporting medical documentation should be submitted with the form. If prior approval is granted, the provider can proceed with dispensing, fitting or fabricating the item in question. Note: Ontario providers need to contact the Assistive Devices Program of the Ontario Ministry of Health for coverage of these benefits for Ontario residents.

Indefinitely Excluded Drugs
Drugs in this category are considered beyond the scope of NIHB and are not covered as benefits. These include:

• anti-obesity drugs
• household products
• cosmetics
• alternative therapies, including glucosamine and evening primrose oil
• megavitamins
• drugs with investigational or experimental status
• vaccinations for travel
• fertility and impotence drugs
• some over-the-counter products
• codeine containg cough preparations
• Darvon and 642 (propoxyphene)
• Stadol TM NS and generics
• Fiorinal, Fiorinal C 1/4, Fiorinal C 1/2 and generics

Contact Information
Pacific Region
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
757 W Hastings St, Suite 540
Vancouver, BC
V6C 3E6

Phone: (604) 666 3331
Toll Free: 1 800 317 7878
Alberta Region
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 730
Edmonton, AB
T5J 4C3

Phone: (780) 495 2703
Toll Free: 1 800 232 7301

Saskatchewan Region
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
1920 Broad St, 18th Floor
Regina, SK
S4P 3V2

Toll Free: 1 877 780 5458
Manitoba Region
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
391 York Avenue, Suite 300
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 4W1

Phone: (204) 983 8886
Toll Free: 1 800 665 8507

Ontario Region
Non-Insured Health Benefits
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
1547 Merivale Road, 3rd Floor
Postal Locator 6103A
Nepean, ON
K1A 0L3

Phone: (613) 952 0093
Toll Free: 1 800 640 0642

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