Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band Members

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Questions and Answers

What is the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program?

Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a national program that provides coverage to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services when these benefits are not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. Eligible benefit areas include:

• Pharmacy benefits (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs);
• Medical Supplies and Equipment benefits;
• Dental Care benefits;
• Vision Care benefits;
• Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling; and
• Assistance with Medical Transportation to access medically necessary health services.

Do clients have to register with the NIHB Program?

• Clients do not need to register with the NIHB Program.
• Individuals who believe they will be eligible as a result of the creation of the Qalipu Band must first apply and be deemed eligible by the Qalipu enrolment committee and through the Office of the Indian Registrar at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC). It may take up to five weeks for AANDC to add individuals to the Indian Register.
• Once an individual is registered, AANDC will provide this information directly to the NIHB Program.

How do clients start accessing benefits under the NIHB Program?

• Clients can take their registration letters or status cards to providers registered with the NIHB Program to receive benefits at no cost to them at the point of service.
• Note: Most benefits require a prescription from a NIHB recognized health professional and/or prior approval from a Health Canada regional office.

Will clients be reimbursed for past health expenses/benefits?

• Once Qalipu Band Members are registered and added to NIHB's eligible client list, the NIHB Program will establish the date of band creation as their date of eligibility for NIHB. The NIHB Program will not reimburse clients for benefits/services received before that date.
• Clients can submit an NIHB client reimbursement request form and receipts to their Health Canada regional office to be reimbursed for eligible NIHB benefits that they have paid for during this period.

Why should NIHB clients keep their private health coverage?

• Some of the benefits clients may currently be receiving from any private, employer-sponsored, or other public health care coverage may not be eligible benefits under the NIHB Program (e.g. physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment).
• Clients must also access any other health plans/programs/insurance they are eligible for before submitting claims to the NIHB Program.

Where can more information be obtained on the NIHB Program?

• Qalipu Band Members should contact their local Health Canada regional office for further information on what benefits are covered and how to submit claims.
• Further information on the NIHB Program can also be found at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/nihb.
• The Federation of Newfoundland Indians has also established an NIHB Navigator to help registered Qalipu Band members access eligible NIHB benefits and answer any questions related to the NIHB Program. The NIHB navigator can be contacted at: 1-855-675-5743 (toll free) and by email at: hthistle@fni.nf.ca.

Registration Process and Contact Information:

How does a Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band member apply for Indian Status?

For more information regarding eligibility and how to apply for Indian Status, please contact the Qalipu Mi'kmaq Band office at: 1-800-563-2549 or visit the  Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

Where can clients get the AANDC Indian Status registration form?

AANDC registration forms are available on the  AANDC web site.

Where can I obtain further information about AANDC?

More information on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada can be found on the  AANDC website or by contacting the AANDC Public Enquiries Contact Centre at:

Email: InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Phone: (toll-free) 1-800-567-9604
Fax: 1-866-817-3977
TTY: (toll-free) 1-866-553-0554