Question Period Note: Non-Insured Health Benefits Client Accommodations

Ensuring that Indigenous patients are treated with respect is important to all of us.
Our Government is committed to providing quality services to individuals who travel to attend medical appointments under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
First Nations and Inuit who travel to access essential medical services are eligible for assistance with transportation and accommodation.
We continue to review our processes and take the appropriate action to address complaints.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides First Nations and Inuit with coverage for a range of health benefits. Benefits under the NIHB Program include prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, dental and vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, and transportation to access health services not available locally.

Under the NIHB Program, medical transportation benefits may be provided for clients to access the following types of medically required health services:
• medical services defined as insured services by provincial/territorial health plans (e.g., appointments with physician, hospital care);
• diagnostic tests and medical treatments covered by provincial/territorial health plans;
• alcohol, solvent, drug abuse and detox treatment;
• traditional healers; and
• Non-Insured Health Benefits (vision, dental, mental health).

NIHB in Manitoba

Manitoba has a variety of boarding homes and hotels available to First Nations and Inuit.
The Department works with accommodation providers to address concerns raised by individuals.
In Manitoba, any individual under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program who receives unsatisfactory service from a registered NIHB provider is encouraged to contact the Transportation Referral Unit.
We will continue to work with partners to improve access and the quality of services.

Accommodation Options

Under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, Manitoba First Nations who require medical travel must contact the Transportation Referral Unit.
We first consider contracted boarding homes, followed by pre-approved hotels for overflow or medically necessary purposes.
Clients may also choose to stay in a private home (with a friend or relative) and to receive reimbursement according to the regional rate set for private accommodations.
Client choice is one of several factors considered when approving accommodations.

Approved Accommodation Lists

In Manitoba, the Department contacts accommodation providers annually about anticipated accommodation requirements.
If they wish to be considered as an accommodation provider, they are invited to respond with details about their rates, damage deposit requirements and services.
We also support several First Nations who manage medical transportation benefits for their members, operate their own boarding homes, or make their own hotel arrangements.
Medical Transportation has been a topic of discussion in 2019 and will continue to be a topic of discussion in 2020 with the Assembly of First Nations as part of the NIHB Joint Review process.