About NIHB
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through:
- Social programs
- Private insurance plans
- Provincial or territorial health insurance
What the program covers:
- Vision
- Dental care
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication
- Mental health counselling
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Medical transportation to and from services not available on reserve or in the community of residence
Benefit claims
You will need to show client identification in order for providers to bill directly.
- Some health service providers bill the program directly through Express Scripts Canada.
Where a client does pay, the program accepts claims using the client reimbursement process.
Please click here to access reimbursement process:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1579811474530/1579811499194
Vision care and mental health providers can contact the NIHB regional office if they need more information.
Medical transportation is also managed by the regional office.
A First Nations community, self-government, or health authority may be responsible for providing some or all NIHB benefits.
Who is eligible?
An eligible client must be a resident of Canada and any of the following:
- a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a status Indian)
a child less than 18 months old whose parent is a registered First Nations person
To make sure that your child continues to be eligible for the program, you should apply for your child’s:
- Indian status (through the First Nations band)
Accessing Mental Health Benefits Through Express Scripts
This website is the gateway to the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program. Information on Dental, Pharmacy, Medical Supplies and Equipment, Vision Care and Mental Health Counselling benefits is available here.
Step one: Click the website below
https://nihb.express-scripts.ca/NIHBProvider/home/en
Step two: You will click the client button
Step three: Click Create Web Account
Note: You will need your Identification number to create your account. Ask a parent or call your reserves band office.
By creating a secure NIHB client web account, you can:
- View your benefit claims status and history
- Submit client reimbursement requests online
- Receive NIHB Program communication directly by email
NIHB Contact Info
Headquarters
Non-Insured Health Benefits program
Email: sac.nihb-ssna.isc@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-567-9604
Fax: 613-954-5265
Dental
Dental Predetermination Centre (dental services)
Toll Free: 1-855-618-6291
Dental Predetermination Centre (orthodontic services)
Toll Free: 1-866-227-0943
Other Benefits: Saskatchewan Regional Office
Toll free: 1-866-885-3933
Email: sac.sasknihb_inquiries.isc@canada.ca (client, public inquiries)
Medical transportation and mental health counselling are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when calling the toll free number.
For more contact information please visit:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1579274812116/1579708265237