NIHB Navigator
What are Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)?
Provinces and territories are responsible for delivering health care services, guided by the provisions of the Canada Health Act. Health care services include insured hospital care and primary health care, such as physicians and other health professional services. First Nations and Inuit people access these insured services through provincial and territorial governments.
However, there are a number of health-related goods and services that are not insured by provinces and territories or other private insurance plans. To support First Nations and Inuit people 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 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 counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations and Inuit people.
Role of the NIHB Navigator
The NIHB Navigator is responsible for advocating on behalf of and supporting Atlantic First Nations clients, communities and organizations to resolve non-insured health benefits (NIHB) and other health related issues. The role of the NIHB Navigator is to assist those having difficulties understanding and accessing the NIHB services that are currently available. The Navigator can also assist in appealing decisions relating to NIHB programs.
For example:
- Do you need help understanding what NIHB services are available to you?
- Eye and Vision Care
- Dental Care
- Medical Transportation
- Prescription Drugs
- Medical Supplies and Equipment
- Mental Health Crisis Counselling
- Are you wondering how to file an appeal for decisions related to NIHB programs?
- Would you like the help of a qualified person to assist you in resolving these issues in a confidential manner?
For Further information
- The Assembly of First Nations has a booklet describing the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) processes and procedures. If you are interested please follow the link below.
Assembly of First Nations Guide to Accessing NIHB
- Some information on this page is from the Health Canada web site, please follow the link below for further information.
Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit (Health Canada)
- NIHB Navigator Community Poster
NIHB Navigator Community Poster
- NIHB Navigator Information Brochure
NIHB Navigator Information Brochure
- Changes to NIHB
Fact Sheet On Methadone as Limited Use Benefit
Contact Information
Paula Robinson, Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator nihb.navigator@apcfnc.ca
Toll free Telephone Number: 1.877.667.4007
Direct Line (Local): 1.902.407.3867
Disclaimer
The NIHB Navigator does not have decision making privileges in relations to NIHB claims and appeals. Furthermore, the NIHB Navigator does not issue reimbursements for NIHB claims. These are to be sent to : Non-Insured Health Benefits, First Nations and Inuit Health, Health Canada. Suite 1525, 15th Floor, Maritime Centre, 1505 Barrington Street, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 3Y6.
The role of the NIHB Navigator is limited to advocating and supporting Atlantic First Nations clients, communities and organizations to resolve NIHB issues.
