Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
If you have any questions about Non-Insured Health Benefits, please contact:
Jennifer Picek RN
Health & Wellness Division Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator
Email: jpicek@inuvialuit.com
Phone:
- (867) 777-7024
Indigenous Services Canada provides eligible clients with coverage for a specified range of medically necessary health-related goods and services when not covered through private insurance plans or territorial health and social programs. IRC’s Health & Wellness offers support through this process with the Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator.
This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling, dental care, vision care, and medical transportation.
An eligible client must be identified as a resident of Canada. They must also be a registered Inuvialuit (or registered through another Land Claim organization).
A child less than 18 months old, whose parent is an eligible client, is also eligible. After 18 months children need to register with their land claim organization in order to register with NIHB, see details and contacts below.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is your personal identification number as an eligible Inuvialuit/Inuit client of the Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) Program. Your N number is different than your health care number and your Inuvialuit enrolment number, you have to remember your N number and provide it to service providers outside your home territory (dentist, pharmacist, etc.) who provide health services to you. While IRC does not issue this N number, IRC staff can help you find or register for a NIHB Inuit N number:
Jennifer Picek RN
Health Systems Navigator
Tel: (867) 777-7024
Email: jpicek@inuvialuit.com
Trista Ipana
Program Support Assistant
Tel: (867) 777-7058
Email: tipana@inuvialuit.com
If you have lost your N number or do not know what it is, you may contact Jennifer Picek or Trista Ipana by email: jpicek@inuvialuit.com or tipana@inuvialuit.com
In order to apply/register for a Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) Inuit N number with NIHB,
Send a request for your child’s N number along with the following scanned documents to the attention of Belinda Kasak in the subject line to sac.ssnasvsnihb.isc@canada.ca
- a letter of recognition from the Inuvialuit (IRC Enrolment)
- a copy of your child’s birth certificate
- your return address and contact information
Once the above requested information is received, your child’s N number will be sent to you.
If you have any questions about requesting an N number, contact Belinda Kasak at 613-952-8586.
You can find more information on the NIHB program here.
Inuvialuit and Nunavut region
- In both the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Nunavut, your child is automatically covered if they are less than 18 months old and have an eligible parent who is registered for NIHB Program benefits.
- Children older than 18 months of age, and before they reach 18 months must be registered with the land claim organization. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register children before their first birthday to make sure NIHB coverage continues under the child’s own identification number (‘N’ number). Please register children with IRC’s Enrolment Department.
Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator
The Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator also works to increase awareness and access to health and benefit services for eligible clients, including territorial health insured services and supplemental health programs, and non-insured health services and benefits.
They participate in various health and social service forums to gain information on improving Inuvialuit health.
The Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator also acts as the first point of contact for communities, organizations, and individuals requesting information, support, and/or advocacy on territorial health systems and/or NIHB.
They support eligible clients towards a resolution of complex cases, denials, and appeals.
Did you know? You have the right to appeal the decision when coverage has been denied by NIHB. Talk to the Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator today!
NIHB navigators, including the Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator, work to improve awareness of the NIHB program and provide information on the eligible benefit areas. This includes:
- Guidance in accessing these eligible benefits.
- Linkages with territorial programs as well as other administrative issues surrounding the NIHB program.
- Procedures to address denial and appeals.
By working with community health workers and service providers, navigators work to improve access to the NIHB program for eligible clients.
For a case to be reviewed as an appeal, a letter from the recipient or parent/guardian must be mailed to the NIHB program along with supporting information from the provider or prescriber. This includes:
- The condition for which the benefit is being requested.
- The diagnosis and prognosis, including what other alternatives have been tried.
- Relevant diagnostic test results.
- Justification for the proposed treatment and any additional supporting information.
Any questions about the appeal process can be directed to the Inuvialuit Health Systems Navigator. You may contact Jennifer Picek RN by email: jpicek@inuvialuit.com Tel: (867)777-7024 Toll free: 1(855)777-7011