There are several issues concerning access to the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan, dental care and vision care. Migration, common-law marriage between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, the giving up of paternity rights, etc. make it difficult for some individuals to obtain adequate health care.
The federal non-insured health benefits program is strictly intended for Aboriginal people recognized as status Indians under the Indian Act. Quebec’s drug insurance plan is not available to First Nations due to the fact that they are eligible for a similar plan.
ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE UNDER THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR NON-STATUS CHILDREN
DENTAL CARE
All status or non-status children under 10 years of age are eligible for Quebec’s health insurance plan (RAMQ). Children over 10 years of age are required to obtain a claim slip to receive services from the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS) through Local Employment Centres (LECs).
EYE CARE
Eye care (eye examinations only) is covered under the general plan available to children under 18 and adults 65 and older.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Prescription medications are to be obtained through the provincial prescription drugs insurance program (RAMQ).
SPECIAL HEALTH-RELATED BENEFITS THAT ARE COVERED BY THE PROVINCIAL CLAIM BOOKLET
To have access to the special health-related benefits, the parent of a non-status child according to the Indian Act must apply for financial assistance from their regional CLE, even if the family is already receiving an Income Security allowance from the Band Council. The amount of the special benefit for the needs of the child is added to the basic need and is determined according to the family situation. The amount paid by the Band Council is therefore reportable income.
The application is reviewed according to the rules of the new application and the amount of the special benefit is added to the basic need without taking the presence of assistance period into consideration. If there is no deficit, the application is denied.
In order to have access to the claim booklet, the family must demonstrate that the child is not covered by the NIHB Program.
NON-STATUS ADULTS IDENTIFIED AS INCOME SECURITY CLIENTS AND LIVING ON A RESERVE
The federal non-insured health benefits program is strictly intended for Aboriginal people recognized as status Indians under the Indian Act.
To obtain access to the special health-related benefits, people requiring financial assistance of last resort must register with a Centre local d’emploi (CLE) (local employment centre) to obtain a claim booklet, even if they reside in a First Nations community. However, the CLE will require proof indicating that they are not eligible for financial assistance from the Band Council of the community in which they reside.
NIHB PROGRAM APPEAL PROCESS FOR REGISTERED INDIANS
Recipients who have been denied benefits under the NIHB Program can initiate an appeal process.
The NIHB Program has three levels of appeal, and it is the recipient's responsibility to present his or her appeal at each level. To do so, the health care provider(s) or prescriber(s) must provide the following supporting documentation or information:
- The situation 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
The recipient will receive a written explanation of the appeal decision, for each level of appeal.
For assistance or more detailed information, please contact your community's health and social services division or the FNIHB regional office.
MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES
- UTILITY CHAIRS
A FIXED UTILITY CHAIR is a lavatory chair with arms and a seat in the form of a toilet seat. It is installed permanently over the toilet and enables users to support themselves securely in a sitting position. This type of chair is very durable.
AMOUNT PROVIDED $150/unit.
A bench bath with a back support is also covered as such.
An ADJUSTABLE UTILITY CHAIR is a lavatory chair with arms and a seat in the form of a toilet seat. It can be installed over the toilet. It is mounted on wheels which lock and whose height is adjustable. It enables users to support themselves securely in a sitting position. This type of chair is very durable.
AMOUNT PROVIDED: $312/unit.
- ADJUSTABLE TOILET SEAT
This is a portable toilet seat that attaches to a fixed toilet in order raise the seat. The elevation is approximately 5 inches.
AMOUNT PROVIDED: $80/unit.
- ADJUSTABLE TOILET HANDRAILS
These are removable aluminium-alloy handrails that screw into the wall. The user can hold them to support himself or herself when sitting down on and getting up off the toilet. The individual rails can be raised and positioned vertically against the wall after use. These handrails can be installed individually, on one side of the toilet, or in a pair, on both sides of the toilet. Their height is adjustable. A second possible model attaches to the toilet, between the tank and the bowl, and rests on the floor.
AMOUNT PROVIDED: $36/unit or $63/pair.
- BATHTUB RAIL, ALL LENGTHS
This is a bar, made of aluminium or other strong, durable materials, that is permanently attached to the tub wall. The user can hold on to the rail to get into and out of the tub. Two different types are manufactured, in different lengths to fit the room. Since these rails are attached to the wall with screws, they can therefore be removed and reinstalled in another bathroom during a move.
AMOUNT PROVIDED: $21/straight rail or $53/"L" shaped rail.