The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Health Benefits program provides a specific number of health related goods and services to meet medical or dental needs not covered by provincial, territorial, or other third party health insurance for BC First Nations.
Health Benefits that are part of Non-Insured Health Benefits Program are:
- BC Medical Insurance Premiums (BC Care Cards)
- Vision Care
- Drugs (Prescriptions)
- Short-term Crisis Intervention (up to 20 counseling sessions)
- Dental Care Benefits
- Medical Transportation Assistance – Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Van
Download Health Benefits Package
Vision Care
- Clients under 19 & over 65 years services are paid by BC Medical Plan (Care card)
- FNIH covers a regional rate of $46.17 for clients between 19-64 years old
- Routine eye exams are covered every two years, for clients between 19-64 years old
- Clients under 19 can receive glasses every year with prior approval from NIHB
- BC Medical Plan (Care Card) will pay for eye exams when there is a medical condition
- Clients over 19 can receive glasses every two years with prior approval from NIHB
- Fee Rates are: Single Vision – $158.00 and Bifocal – $208.00 (amount that is paid by FNIH, any balance owing will be at the expense of the client)
- Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society provides Eye Clinics every six months with an optometrist
- Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society is not held responsible for any repairs or issues with the Eye care provider, the client is responsible
Medical & Community Van Service
The Community Medical Van is a 6 passenger van for members of the Shackan, Coldwater and Nooaitch Indian Bands to attend medical appointments in Merritt:
Tuesday – Coldwater
Wednesday – Shackan
Thursday – Shackan
Clients who have medical appointments have first priority. If there is enough time clients can do a few small errands. The van will pick clients up at home and drop them off at home.
Who is Eligible?
Band members or a person(s) residing on Shackan, Coldwater and Nooaitch Indian Band.
Booking
The van must be booked by calling the Non-Insured Health Benefits Clerk at Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society at (250) 378-9745. Appointments NEED to be booked before 3:30pm, the day before your travel day. For Example a Coldwater client would call Monday before 3:30pm.
Cancelling a trip
Call the NIHB Clerk (250) 378 9745 Ext. 27
Hours
The van leaves SCHSS office at 8:30am, and leaves town 3:30pm sharp. If client is not ready or at pick-up location assigned by the driver, they will be fully responsible for finding their own way home.
Fares
There is NO cost for clients
Guidelines
- Everyone who rides the Medical van must respect the driver and other passengers.
- Keep the van clean & take out any garbage at end of trip.
- No Violence
- No Drinking
- All clients must wear seat belts.
- Driver/Parents must ensure that all small children are secured in car seat appropriate for the age of the child.
- Absolutely NO SMOKING in the vehicle
- Absolutely NO ALCOHOL OR ILLGEAL DRUGS allowed in the vehicle at any time.
- Driver may refuse to allow anyone who is behaving inappropriately or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol to ride in the vehicle.
- Clients luggage and personal items must have priority for loading
- Driver’s only responsibility is to drive clients to their appointments and return. They are not obligated to provide unscheduled stops unless negotiated prior to departure.
Medical Van Poster
NIHB Forms
Benefit Exception Dental Form
Benefit Exception Medical Form
SCHSS Confirmation Slip
FNHA Client Reimbursement Form (Off-Reserve Clients)
FNHA Off-Reserve Confirmation Formation of Attendance Form