Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nations Band
September, 2011
Newfoundland Community Information sessions

1. Objective of the NIHB Program/What is NIHB
2. Who is Eligible? When does my eligibility start?
3. NIHB Program Benefits:
• Pharmacy (e.g. insulin and glucose test strips )
• Medical Supplies & Equipment (e.g. lancets and syringes)
• Dental Services
• Vision Care
• Medical Transportation
• Short-term Crisis Mental Health Counselling
• Out of Country Insurance
4. Client Reimbursement
5. Appeal Process
6. Questions

What is NIHB?
• National program administered by Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health
• Supplements what you already receive from the province using your MCP card and other provincial plans like other Canadians
(MD visits, hospital services)
• Some eligible benefits are managed by Ottawa such as
Pharmacy, Medical Supplies and Equipment and Dental
• Other eligible benefits are managed at the Regional office such as Medical Transportation, Vision, Short Term Crisis
Intervention Mental Health Counselling and Out of Country
Insurance. All Regions offer these benefit areas but there will be differences in what is paid for based on regionally negotiated agreements (e.g. glasses)

An eligible recipient must be identified as 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
• an infant of less than 1 year of age, whose parent is an eligible recipient
Clients should also be registered (or eligible for registration) with their provincial Department of Health.
Available to all clients regardless of income

When am I Eligible for benefits?
• Individuals will become eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits when they are: i.
officially registered with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada (AANDC) as status Indians following the formation of the Band by the federal Cabinet, and ii.
have an AANDC registration number that will be provided after formation of the Band.
• To be eligible to submit claims, you must: i.
have received confirmation from AANDC of your registration, ii.
confirm with the NIHB regional office that services/benefits are eligible under the program (suggest doing so prior to making any appointment), and iii.
keep receipts for eligible benefits/services rendered between the date of band creation and the date on your Confirmation of Registration letter from AANDC that includes your Qalipu Band # (034……).

Before Calling NIHB for Service:
Please have on hand the following information for NIHB to create a client record:
1) Qalipu Band Number (034……)
2) Name of Client or person to be accessing services
3) Date of birth
4) Address and phone number

How to Access Pharmacy Benefits
Your band ID (10 digits) is used by the pharmacy to bill
NIHB electronically.
A pharmacy must be a provider with NIHB to bill NIHB directly (electronically), ask your pharmacy if they are set up to bill NIHB
If you pay for your medication you can submit your receipt for reimbursement, however the pharmacy may not be aware if the drug is insured by NIHB or may charge more than is reimbursed by NIHB (you may not be reimbursed the full amount)

“Coordination of Benefits”
If you have access to another drug plan, that plan should be billed first and then NIHB (NIHB would be the secondary insurer).
Your pharmacy can help coordinate payment of prescription claims through electronic billing.

What Pharmacy Benefits are Insured?
Prescribed drugs that are:
-on the national NIHB drug benefit list or approved for coverage (formulary is available online)
-benefits include some over-the-counter medications and some drug-related supplies such as diabetic test strips
All pharmacy benefits require a prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist or other authorized prescriber
For drugs and products that are insured, there is 100% coverage (no copay or deductible)

Pharmacy
What is not covered (examples):
Household products (including regular soaps and shampoos);
Cosmetics;
Anti-obesity drugs;
Herbal or alternative therapies, including glucosamine and evening primrose oil; megavitamins;
Drugs with investigational/experimental status;
Vaccinations;
Hair growth stimulants;
Fertility agents and impotence drugs;
Selected over-the-counter products such as cough and cold medications;
Infant formula;
Drugs that are excluded from the benefit list

Types of Benefits in the NIHB Program
• Open Benefits : these drug can be billed by the pharmacy when they receive your prescription with no prior approval needed
• Limited Use Drugs: these are drugs that can be covered when coverage criteria are met; your physician will need to provide information
• Exception Drugs/Non-Benefit Drugs: these are not insured, however can be considered for coverage in exceptional circumstances with supporting information from your physician

Accessing Benefits
• When the system does not pay a claim for your prescription, and it is an eligible benefit (e.g. limited use drug with criteria), your pharmacy should call the Drug Exception Center (DEC) (8:30am to 6:30pm NDT/NST)
• DEC is located in Ottawa; they will send any necessary forms to your physician and provide any relevant information to your pharmacist
• Your pharmacy will be advised (by fax) of the coverage decision
• Speak to your pharmacist about insured alternatives

What about drugs I am on now? Will they be covered?
Full benefit drugs:
NIHB will pay when billed by the pharmacy.
Drugs that are not open benefits: e.g. limited use drugs:
Your pharmacy should contact the DEC so the correct forms can be sent to your physician as necessary; a two year printout of your pharmacy claims may also be required (with your consent) as some medications can be approved based on this history.

Generic Medications
NIHB covers the cost of the ‘lowest cost alternative’; the best price for the same drug, which is usually the generic version of a drug.
Coverage for a higher cost product can be provided if you have an allergy or adverse reaction to the other
(generic) versions of a medication; your physician would need to provide information.

Other important points
NIHB will pay up to 100 days supply for most medications.
For most long term chronic medications, only one dispensing fee will be provided to your pharmacy every 28 days.
In some cases, there is a maximum amount you are able to have covered in a specified time period, without getting special approval for more (e.g. smoking cessation products, diabetic test strips).

Other important points (continued)
NIHB has agreements with pharmacy providers regarding how much can be billed and how drugs are priced. Extra charges
(e.g. for higher dispensing fees than allowed by NIHB) should not be passed onto you.
You have up to one year to submit official pharmacy receipts for payment. A reimbursement form is available online: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/alt_formats/fnihbdgspni/pdf/nihb-ssna/form-reimburse-rembourse-eng.pdf
If you need assistance finding a pharmacy that will bill NIHB directly, please contact the Regional Office at 1-800-565-3294.

Medical Supplies & Equipment (MS&E)
What is covered:
• Medical supplies (e.g. bandages, dressings)
• Medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers)
• Audiology benefits (e.g. hearing aids, repairs)
• Orthotics and custom footwear
• Pressure garments
• Prosthetics
• Oxygen therapy
• Respiratory therapy (e.g. CPAP machine)

How do I access MS&E Benefits?
You must have the following information: a) prescription from recognized prescriber ( Medical Doctor /Nurse
Practitioner) b) You may need prior approval for the item from NIHB before purchasing. Have your pharmacy/provider check with NIHB
Regional office by dialling 1-800-565-3294 c) Medical Diagnosis: may be required for such items as wheelchairs
Some items can be approved by NIHB over the phone (diapers) other items will need to be reviewed by consultants at
Headquarters (wheelchairs, custom made shoes, issues with frequencies or cost above what we are approved to pay
(e.g. $450.00 for orthotics)

Coverage for dental services is determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the current oral health status, recipient history, and accumulated scientific research.
Dental services must be provided by a licensed dental professional such as a dentist, dental specialist, or denturist .
Current NIHB rates are 92% of the 2009 Provincial Fee Guide.

• NIHB Dental benefits account for approximately 75% of all public funds spent directly on dental services in Canada.
• NIHB has the one of the widest ranges of eligible procedures of any publicly funded dental program in the world .
• NIHB seeks to fund procedures with known health benefits and to help people to maintain a functional dentition throughout life.
Some benefits such as scaling and root planning have actually been dramatically increased based on recent evidence to support a strong link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk and poor gum health.

Dental - What is covered without Predetermination?
 Diagnostic services like examinations or x-rays;
 Preventive services like cleanings;
 Restorative services like fillings;
 Endodontic treatment on anterior and some posterior teeth;
 Basic oral surgery such as simple extractions of teeth;
 Emergency treatment for the relief of pain.
While these services do not require predetermination, some of them do have annual frequency limitations. Any exceptions to these limits will require approval from NIHB .

Dental - What is covered without Predetermination?
• Check-up and cleaning: Twice every 12 months for children under 17, once for those 17 and older.
• Emergency exams are covered once in a 12 month period, but exceptions can be made if there is an associated emergency treatment done as well.
• There is no limit on the total number of fillings, but they are limited to 1 per tooth per 12 months (same provider / same office)
• Root Canal treatment on anterior teeth, bicuspids, and first molars can be done as needed (limit of 3 in 3 years).
• Denture repairs: One per denture in any 12 months.
• Denture relines: One per denture in any 24 months .

Dental - What is covered with Predetermination?
 Major restorative treatment such as crowns;
 Prosthodontics - complete and partial removable dentures,
 Oral surgery including the surgical removal of teeth;
 Orthodontics to correct functional irregularities in teeth and jaws.
These services always require predetermination regardless of payment method (Client/Band reimbursement vs. direct billing to
NIHB).

Dental - What is covered with Predetermination?
• Most services that require predetermination are not eligible for post-approval. e.g. after the fact.
• Crowns, Root Canal treatment, Prosthodontics, Periodontal treatment – NIHB Policies include criteria that must be met in order to be approved.
• Dentures are limited to one per arch in any 8 year period.
• Surgical extractions may be post-approved, but still have to meet the predetermination criteria.
• Exceptions to frequencies or policy may be made if the condition leading to the need for treatment is beyond the patients control.

Exclusions
There are a number of items that are Excluded from the NIHB Benefits List, and cannot be considered for an exception:
• Implants
• Veneers
• Bleaching
• Sports Mouth Guards

NIHB Orthodontic Coverage
Since 2002, all NIHB Orthodontic approvals have been issued by the Orthodontic Review Centre in
Ottawa. There is no Regional contact for any
Orthodontic requests.
The Orthodontic Review Centre can be reached at
1-866-227-0943

NIHB Dental Claim Submissions
Providers seeking direct payment submit their claims directly to Express-Scripts Canada. Submission can be made manually, or electronically. Payment is issued twice monthly.
Clients (or a 3 rd Party) seeking reimbursement should submit all documentation to the NIHB Regional Office to ensure all required information is included and claim is processed correctly.
The NIHB Regional Office now has the capability of entering Client Reimbursement Claims electronically, reducing the amount of time clients are waiting for payment.

Access to Services:
• You must be examined by an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist to obtain a prescription. Prescriptions are to be filled by an
Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist.
• If a vision care provider is not registered in the NIHB Atlantic
Region database, a vendor code needs to be created (24-48 hours by the NIHB Regional office)
• Clients will be able to receive services from registered providers without having to pay in advance

Vision Care (continued)
What is covered:
• Routine eye exams and standard eyeglasses: (prescribed by
Vision Care Provider)
- Every 2 years for clients 18 and older
- Every year for clients under 18 years of age
• New lenses if prescription changes at least 0.5 diopters before eligibility date
• Eyeglass repairs
- Only one major and one minor repair (not to exceed cost of glasses)
• Contact lenses (if medically necessary)
• Eye Prosthesis (artificial eye)
• Other eye exams due to medical conditions

(continued)
How much does the NIHB Program pay for eye wear?
Pricing depends on whether or not prescription is single vision or bi-focal:
Frame:
Frame Dispensing:
Lens:
Lens Dispensing:
Single Vision*
$62.05
$39.83
$36.00
$55.88
$193.76
Bi-Focal*
$62.05
$39.83
$54.00
$70.76
$226.64
* rates as of October 2010
• Children 17 and under are entitled to Scratch Resistant Coating
• Any additional costs are the client’s responsibility

Examples of Exclusions
The following is a list of some (but not all) of the excluded items and therefore, not subject to appeal:
• Vision care goods and services covered by provincial/territorial health insurance plans
• Vision exams required for a job, drivers license or to engage in sports activity
• Safety glasses for sport, leisure or work use
• Implants (e.g. punctual occlusion procedure)
• Foldable cataract lens (soft)
• Refractive Laser surgery
• Contact Lens for aesthetic purposes
• Contact Lens Solution
• Progressive / Tri-focal Lenses
• Sunglasses
• Photochromic / photochromatic lenses
• Treatments with investigational / experimental status
• Replacements as a result of misuse, carelessness or client negligence

• To assist clients in accessing medical services that are not provided in the local area
• All travel must be pre-approved by the Non-Insured Health
Benefits (NIHB) Regional office
• When you call in you will need:
– your Band number, date of birth, appointment information
(doctor name, phone number, location, date of appointment) and travel information (mode of travel, date of travel)
– 3-5 days notice is required

What Travel is Covered?
Travel is covered:
• for services that are located farther than 35kms round trip from their home
• to the nearest appropriate health professional or facility
• in the most efficient and economical mode
• to Insured services under provincial health plans (physician appointments, hospital care, diagnostic tests, medical treatments)
• to alcohol, solvent, drug abuse and detox treatment centers
(includes Health Canada funded NNADAP programs)
• Traditional healers (within Region)
• for services approved by NIHB (Vision, dental and mental health providers)

Non-Medical Escorts
Travel expenses may be covered for ONE escort
• The escort MUST be prior approved by NIHB
• The “Non-Medical Escort Form” must be completed by a Community
Health Professional (i.e. physician, nurse practitioner, nurse). The form must include the medical details to support the request
• May be covered if one or more of the following criteria apply:
• the client is a minor;
• a language barrier exists;
• the client has a physical/mental disability of a nature or due to a current medical condition he or she is unable to travel unassisted;
• the client is medically incapacitated;
• there is a need to receive instructions on specific procedures that cannot be given only to the client

Medical Transportation Benefits
Transportation
• Clients can drive themselves or have someone drive them to the medical appointment.
• NIHB may arrange for public transportation (e.g. bus) if possible.
• Transportation in St. John’s is provided by the St. John’s Native
Friendship Centre. Alternate arrangements may not be reimbursed.
Accommodations
• distance must be over 600 km return (unless justification provided)
•
Clients can request to stay at hotels that direct bill to NIHB. If client chooses alternate arrangements - responsible for the cost difference
• If a person is required to relocate for a period of time to access long term care, NIHB may assist for a period up to 3 months.
Meals
• Meals may be covered if the time away from home for the appointment is more than six hours
• Breakfast is not covered for same day trips unless medical justification is provided
• Meals may be provided for trips less than six hours if there is medical justification provided

Rates
Transportation:
• The private rate of mileage is $0.18/km
Accommodations:
• Private rate: $13.50/night/adult
Meals:
• Adult: Breakfast $6.00, Lunch $9.00, Supper $15.00. Children under 12 years of age receive half the adult rate.

Exclusions
Compassionate travel
•
Appointments for clients in the care of federal, provincial or territorial institutions
(e.g. incarcerated clients)
•
Court-ordered treatment/assessment, or as a condition of parole or transportation to adult day care, respite care and/or interval/safe houses
• Appointments while travelling outside of Canada
•
Where the appropriate services are available locally
• Travel for the purposes of a third-party request (e.g. employer requested medicals)
•
A return trip home in cases of illness while away from home other than for NIHB approved travel
• Travel to pick-up new/repeat prescriptions or vision products (Exception:
Methadone prescriptions is valid for 4 months only)
•
Payment of professional fee(s)
• An adult that is asked to leave a drug/alcohol treatment program before completion

Short-term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling

Short-term Crisis Intervention
Mental Health Counselling
Provides a bridge to provincial services, initial12 hours, assessed on a case by case basis.
NIHB covers (first 3 hours) :
• initial assessment
• development of a treatment plan
• professional mental health therapist fees
• travel costs
Acceptable providers : Counselling must be provided by therapists registered with a regulatory body from the disciplines of clinical psychology or clinical social work (Masters level).

Short-term Crisis Intervention
Mental Health Counselling (continued)
Accessing benefits:
• Currently requires referral to the mental health provider by the client’s physician or nurse practitioner
(will change to self referral Sept 2011)
• Approval forms can be obtained from NIHB Regional office

Payment of Non Insured Health Benefits outside of Canada
The NIHB Program provides some benefits outside of Canada
What is covered?
• The cost of privately acquired health insurance for approved students or seasonal migrant workers and their legal dependants. Prior approval is required.
• Transportation benefits may be provided when eligible recipients are medically referred and approved for treatment coverage outside of Canada by a provincial or territorial health care plan.
Prior Approval is required.
• Does not replace need for private insurance for out of country travel

Client Reimbursement
Two different forms: One for Vision, MS&E, Pharmacy, Dental and one for Medical transportation
• Complete and sign the appropriate form
• Provide an original or a copy of the prescription from your Doctor or
Nurse Practitioner
• Attach original itemized receipts (for Pharmacy: must be official prescription receipt for medications, not a cash register or debit receipt)
• If there is third party coverage (Blue Cross, Sunlife, etc) include a copy of the prescription, receipts and the coordination of benefits statement from the third party insurer
• Any supporting medical documentation (if available)
• Reimbursement form can be found: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniahspnia/alt_formats/fnihb-dgspni/pdf/nihb-ssna/form-reimburserembourse-eng.pdfTwo
or http://www.Qalipu.com/default.asp

Client Reimbursement (continued)
Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling
•Please contact the NIHB Regional Office (Halifax) for approval prior to seeking counselling services at 1-800-565-3294.

Appeal Process
• When coverage of an eligible benefit through the NIHB program has been denied the client or parent/guardian has the right to appeal the decision .
• Appeals can NOT be submitted for EXCLUDED items.
• There are three Levels of Appeal that can be initiated by the client or parent/guardian. Appeals for Drugs and orthodontic services are managed in Ottawa
• All appeal requests must be received in writing with the client’s signature.

Appeal Process (continued)
• Information to be included with your letter of appeal:
• The condition for which the benefit is being requested
• The diagnosis and prognosis; including what other alternatives have been tried
• Relevant diagnostic test results
• Justification for the proposed treatment and any additional supporting information

Appeal Process (continued)
• The client or parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the decision.
• If client has not received a written decision within one month of submitting appeal, contact Atlantic Regional office for a status update.

For more information on Non-Insured Health
Benefits please visit our website at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/nihb-ssna/index-eng.php
Atlantic Region’s NIHB Toll Free Number: 1-800-565-3294
E-mail: ATLNIHB@hc-sc.gc.ca

THANK YOU
QUESTIONS?