NIHB Program
About NIHB Program
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other:
- social programs
- private insurance plans
- provincial or territorial health insurance
What the program covers
The program provides coverage for the following medically necessary goods and services:
- vision care
- dental care
- mental health counselling
- medical supplies and equipment
- prescription and over-the-counter medications
- medical transportation to access medically required health services not available:
- on reserve
- in the community of residence
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, a client must be a resident of Canada, and one of the following:
- a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a “Status Indian”)
- an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization as outlined in Inuit client eligibility for the NIHB program
- a child less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client
To make sure that your child continues to be eligible for the program, you should apply as soon as possible for your child’s:
- Indian status
OR;
- recognition from your Inuit land claim organization
How to access mental health counselling benefits?
Your eligible provider will submit for prior approval on your behalf. The provider will then bill the program directly.
Who can provide mental health counselling?
To be enrolled, providers must be registered in good standing with a legislated professional regulatory body and eligible for independent practice in the province or territory in which the service is being provided. This may include the following types of providers:
- registered psychologists
- registered social workers with clinical counselling orientation
- registered psychiatric nurses
- registered psychotherapists
- other regulated mental health providers permitted to practice by legislation
What is covered?
Every 12 months, an eligible client can receive up to 22 hours of counselling performed by an eligible provider on a fee-for-service basis, such as individual or group counselling. Additional hours in the same 12 month period may be provided on a case-by-case basis.