Medical Transportation Bulletin - July 2005
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The NIHB Program provides supplementary
health benefits, including
medical transportation, for registered Indians and recognized Inuit
and Innu throughout Canada.
Important Improvements in Medical Transportation Benefits
Key changes to medical transportation benefits include the following:
- Benefits provided under the NIHB Program (e.g., vision, dental,
mental health) are now explicitly included as medically required
health services for which medical transportation benefits are
available.
- National rates for private vehicle usage have been established.
Contact your First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) Regional
Office for further information.
- Clear criteria for funding transportation to access addictions
treatment centres has been established.
- Where clients must travel repeatedly for an extended period,
medical transportation benefits will be provided for up to four
months of travel, previously three months, and an assessment
involving the associated health professional and the client will
establish the ongoing need for transportation benefits.
Transportation Policy Framework
The NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework has been revised
to clarify key policies, ensure national consistency, and promote
a better understanding of program requirements. This updated version
incorporates responses to input from First Nations, Inuit and other
stakeholders. As this document evolves, additional comments are
welcome.
About the Framework
The NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework is a key document,
outlining policies and benefits that help clients access medical
services. It applies to the provision of all medical transportation
benefits funded through FNIHB. It assists eligible First Nations
and Inuit clients to access services provided by medical professionals,
tests, dental care, and other approved treatments considered medically
necessary. As previously, clients must have exhausted all other
available sources of benefits in order to be eligible for the NIHB
medical transportation benefits.
Benefits may include arranging for transportation, meals, accommodation
or escort services to help clients travel, providing financial
assistance to clients to travel themselves, or arranging for these
medical services to be brought into the community. Transportation
is to the nearest appropriate health professional or facility and
is coordinated with other appointments whenever practical and economical.
Generally, clients must have their transportation benefits approved
before they travel, including travel of an escort. Confirmation
of attendance at the appointment must be obtained from the health
professional.
For the full details on all benefits and criteria, please consult
the NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework. Program information
materials regarding medical transportation benefits are available.
Copies of the NIHB Medical Transportation Policy Framework may
be obtained through FNIHB Regional Offices or on the NIHB Web site
at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnihb/nihb
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