Question Period Note: Non-Insured Health Benefits Program – Dental Care

N.A.

• The Government of Canada, through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program (NIHB), provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit with dental care coverage.

• A broad range of dental services is eligible for coverage under the program. Coverage is also provided for medical transportation so that eligible clients can access dental services that are not available in their community of residence.

• NIHB clients do not pay deductibles or co-payments. The NIHB program encourages dental providers to bill the program directly and not to balance-bill clients so that clients do not face charges at the point of service.

• Programs like NIHB are making life more affordable for First Nations and Inuit by improving access to the health services they need.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program covers eligible First Nations and Inuit clients unless otherwise covered under a separate agreement (such as a self-government agreement).

In addition to client travel, medical transportation expenditures also include costs associated with transporting health care professionals to under serviced remote and isolated communities to facilitate access to medically necessary services.

If pressed on dual dental benefits
• NIHB clients will be eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan as long as they meet all the eligibility criteria.

• When an NIHB-eligible client is also covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan, claims should be submitted to NIHB first.