Programs ● Niitaawataopi

Non-Insured Health Benefits

OPERATING HOURS:

Monday – Friday | 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

PHONE:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is a National/Federal Government program that provides medically-necessary coverage to eligible First Nations and Inuit clients for a LIMITED range of benefits and services that are not covered through other social programs, private insurance plans, or provincial/territorial health insurance plans.

These services include:

Medical Transportation
Vision Care
Dental Care
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Medications and,
Mental Health Counselling

Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the complexities of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, ensuring you get the most out of the benefits available to you. We provide a range of services designed to support you in understanding and utilizing your NIHB benefits effectively. Services include:

Information and Education: Clear guidance on NIHB policies, eligible services, benefits, and limitations.
Provider Support: Assistance in choosing service providers who direct bill to NIHB.
Program Connections: Information on provincial/territorial programs, social programs, and third-party insurance plans.
Reimbursement Help: Assistance with getting reimbursed for eligible out-of-pocket expenses.
Appeal Assistance: Support in appealing denied services.
Case Management: Help with requests outside the NIHB program’s mandate.
Advocacy: Addressing gaps in program services to meet your needs.

Did you know you can submit and view your NIHB claims online? Express Scripts Canada. Express Scripts Canada delivers Health Information and Claims Processing Services on behalf of the NIHB Program. Use your Indian Status Card to sign up today.

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m
403-737-2604

The Medical Transportation Program has been in operation since 1985. The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Medical Transportation Policy Framework defines the policies an guidelines under which the NIHB program will assist eligible registered First Nations with access to medically necessary health services. This framework can be found here.

Services Provided

Direct Transport: Drivers will transport clients to and from medical appointments. If required, wheelchair accessible units are available for clients.

Reimbursement: The Medical Transportation office may be able to reimburse clients for eligible services paid out-of-pocket. Reimbursements may include private mileage, meals, accommodations, parking (NIHB national rates)

Coordination: Clients may requiest for meals, accommodations, and taxi services based on approvals through the Edmonton Referral Unit (ERU) and through contract service providers (for hotels, restaurants, and taxi companies). For appointments requiring long-distance, overnight or out of town travel, clients much call the toll-free line at 1-800-514-7106

Chaperone (Escort) Services: Must be 18 years and over. Upon pre-approval those attending with clients must remain with clients at all times to assist with:

Interpretation
Supervision and/or care if client is a minor, or is a person with a disability
Receive specific instructions on discharge/home care procedures

Required Information

The personal information that is collected is used only to authenticate the client is following NIHB policies which includes:

Name of the client/escort with Treaty number
Birthdates
Contact Information
Home Address
For all confirmed appointments and/or specialist appointments, be sure to include date of appointment, time and name of facility with contact number (please notify of any requirements needed for clients with a disability)
Letter of referral/confirmation of all appointments

Once this information is submitted, the client will receive a verification form to be date and time stamped at appointment. Form must then be returned to the Medical Transportation office.

Client responsibilities

All appointments must be scheduled 24 hours in advance
BE READY. Clients are to be ready once hour prior to expected pick up time.
Wait Times: Drives are to wait only 5 minutes at pick up. If client does not come out, the drive is expect to leave (no exceptions)
Assistance: When transferring into unit clients needing assistance will need to have individual(s) present to help client into unit.
Registered Attendees: Only those registered to attend the appointment will be allowed in the units (client and chaperone/escort)
Unscheduled Stops: Drivers are not permitted to make any unscheduled stops during transport.
Infants/Children: All infants/children must be in car seats during all transports
No smoking/alcohol or drugs: clients are prohibited for mteh use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs during transport. Clients observed to be under the influence will not be tolerated.
No food or drinks allowed in unit.
Right to refuse: Drivers always have the right to refuse service to any client who does not follow transportation guidelines.
Suspension of services may be enforced on a case by case basis

The NIHB program clinics provide primary care and specialty services for the Blood Tribe Community in two locations on-reserve: Standoff and Levern.

Specialty Services

Liver Clinic:
Monthly. Self-refer for fatty liver screening and other concerns.
Specialist: Jackie Foreman, NP.

Renal Prevention Clinic:
Monthly by appointment.
Specialist: Ellen Novak, NP from the University of Calgary.

Mental Health and Wellness:
Includes psychological counseling by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Janice Minoose, R. Psych, and Luke Sander, R. Psych.

Available Clinics and Services

General Medical Care:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Levern Clinic Opioid Dependency Walk-In Clinic:
Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Addictions counselor and/or Indigenous navigators on site.

Jennifer Weaver, AHS Addictions Counselor
Billie J. Heavy Shields, Addictions and Mental Health Worker, AHS

Levern Women’s Prenatal and Birth Control Walk-In Clinic:
Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Self-refer or walk-in.

Levern Women’s Gynecologic Care Clinic:
Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM by appointment. Self-refer or call to book.

Hepatitis C Evaluation and Treatment:
Self-refer and call to book an appointment. In consultation with specialist Jackie Foreman, NP, and Dr. Sam Lee, University of Calgary.

Plastic Surgery Clinic:
By appointment, one to two times per year. Call for the schedule.

Nutrition Counseling:
Monthly by appointment. Call for the schedule.

Walk-In Naloxone Training and Harm Reduction Supplies: Available as needed.

Additional Services

Laboratory and X-Ray Services:
Available at the Standoff Clinic.

You may self-refer or walk in if availability permits. Give us a call for more information or to book an appointment. We are proud to have five Blood Tribe members among our doctors, ensuring culturally sensitive and community-focused care.

Monday-Friday by referral
(403) 737-8427

Our Mobile Medical Unit provides a range of health services and referrals to ensure comprehensive care for the Blood Tribe community.

Primary Care Services:

Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Foot Care
Diabetic Screening
Home Pulse Oximetry Monitoring

Lab Services:

Blood, urine, and swab collection

Harm Reduction:

Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Illness Testing & Treatment
Opioid Agonist Therapy Delivery
Safe Sex Supplies
Nasal & Injectable Naloxone Supplies (Training available)

Referrals

Referrals can be arranged by your physician and forwarded by fax to the Mobile Medical Unit Office at (403) 737-2183.