Notice regarding the proson of oxygen benefits - July 2004

The purpose of this notice is to provide you with important information regarding changes to the provision of oxygen benefits under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program effective August 1, 2004 .

Health Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada have completed a selection process for the provision of oxygen services to First Nations and Inuit clients in Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta . The attached appendix lists the successful oxygen providers for each service area in your province (see Appendix A).

Clients eligible for benefits under the provincial home oxygen program , must access that program first. However, there will be no change to the process when NIHB has to supplement the benefits provided through the provincial program. Service will continue as usual for clients currently receiving oxygen from a provider who is on the attached list.

For clients currently receiving oxygen from a provider who is not on the attached list, NIHB Regional staff will contact the current provider to arrange the transition of clients to the # 1 provider for that service area. Once a client has been transitioned to the new provider, any follow-up or change in prescription should be addressed to the new provider. If you need assistance to determine the provider for a client or service area, please contact the Manitoba NIHB Regional staff.

All new oxygen prescriptions must be referred to the #1 provider in the service area where the client resides (see attached list) in order to receive funding from NIHB .

The NIHB Program will only be responsible for funding when Prior Approval has been issued by the NIHB Regional Office authorizing equipment set up.

Thank you for your continued support in the provision of health care services to First Nations and Inuit clients. If you have any questions, please contact your NIHB Regional Office at 1-800-665-8507.