Medical Transportation Bulletin April 2003
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The NIHB Program provides supplementary health
benefits, including
medical transportation, for registered Indians and recognized Inuit
and Innu throughout Canada.
Welcome to the first edition of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
Medical Transportation Bulletin. This Bulletin will be published as needed
to provide timely information about NIHB Medical Transportation benefits.
The NIHB Program provides a limited range of medically necessary health-related
goods and services not provided through other private or provincial/territorial
health insurance plans to eligible registered Indians and recognized Inuit.
The benefits provided include drugs, medical supplies and equipment, crisis
intervention counselling, dental care, vision care and medical transportation
benefits to access medically required health services not available on the
reserve or community of residence.
Interim NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework
A review of medical transportation benefits has been underway for the past
two years, involving meetings with First Nations and Inuit Health Branch staff
and First Nations and Inuit representatives. The regional policies and guidelines
have been compiled into a single national NIHB Medical Transportation Policy
Framework to ensure a consistent approach to the management and administration
of medical transportation benefits.
The Interim Medical Transportation Policy Framework takes effect April
1, 2003, and defines the terms and conditions under which the NIHB
Program will assist eligible clients to access medically required health
services.
These terms and conditions support the objective of the NIHB Program to provide
benefits in a manner that is suitable to meet the health need, are comparable
to that of other Canadians and are sustainable from a fiscal and benefit management
perspective.
The Framework contains definitions for frequently used terms as well as sections
on policy provisions, criteria used to determine client eligibility, client
escorts, meals, accommodation, emergency transportation, requirements for confirmation
of appointments, travel to access traditional healer services, reimbursement
of travel expenses, non-benefits and the appeal process. Please read this information
carefully.
Application of the Interim NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework
The Interim NIHB Medical Transportation Framework applies to the provision
of all medical transportation benefits by the First Nations and Inuit Health
Branch Regional Office. It also applies to First Nations/Inuit or third party
(e.g. territorial governments) health authorities who receive funds from Health
Canada to provide medical transportation benefits to eligible clients in accordance
with the terms and conditions of a signed Contribution Agreement.
Next Steps
Over the next few months, a regional discussion process will be initiated
with First Nations and Inuit to look at the ongoing management and sustainability
of medical transportation benefits. For additional information please contact
your Regional First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Office.
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