Membership Forms & Support

MEMBERSHIP FORMS

& Available Resources

Attention Members!

Direct Deposit Information

Please ensure we have your
up-to-date direct deposit information
to avoid processing delays when accessing our services.

Direct Deposit Application

Download Application

Cheque processing and Direct deposit process

Please submit cheque requests to the office by Wednesday at the latest or as soon as you know when funding is required; sooner is better to ensure your cheques or direct deposits are done.

Medical Travel - Audrey Smith
Education - Audrey Smith

The following is the process for how your request is processed.

Department Head Reviews
Manager approves and signs cheque requisitions
Accounting prepares cheque
Councilors and/or Manager signs cheque
Accounting Direct Deposits Thursday of next week or mailed

If your Direct Deposit or cheque is not received by Thursday morning check with Department Head.

The above process takes one week to process so please submit your request as soon as possible.

Most Requested:

We offer our members a variety of services and support. Below are just a few:

Membership Support Funding
Medical Travel sponsored by FNHA
(to attend out of town appointments)
Children's School Supplies,
Annual Youth Fair
Youth Activity Application

Additional coverage options with FNHA

Information on services offered through the Health Benefits program can be found below.

Upload Document

Our applications can be filled out online
or downloaded and printed off to be mailed.

Need to mail a document to our office?
Mail to: P.O Box 40, Zeballos, BC, V0P2A0

Need to upload a document for submission?
Members may upload necessary documentation below.

Type of documents accepted:

School Attendance Report
Report Cards
Fair Admission Passes
(for reimbursements)
Written Confirmation of Attendance (Patient Travel),
Direct Deposit Information
Photos of events
(etc.)

UPLOAD APPLICATION/DOCUMENT

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OFFERED BY FNHA

NAVIGATE TABS FOR MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
DENTAL
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
MENTAL HEALTH
PHARMACY
VISION CARE
REIMBURSEMENTS
PREGNANCY

First Nations Health Authority

Health Benefits provides benefit coverage through partnerships with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), BC PharmaCare, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and First Nations and organizations. These partnerships help us offer you a convenient way to access your benefits.
For more about these partnerships, see the Health Benefits Guide page.

The Health Benefits Program covers six benefit areas:

Dental (factsheet available here)
Medical Supplies and Equipment (factsheet available here)
Mental Health
Pharmacy (factsheet available here)
Vision (factsheet available here)

and Medical Transportation (Apply above)

The program also manages the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) and pays for ambulance bills for eligible First Nations in BC.

Health Benefits Contact Information
GENERAL Toll-Free: 1.855.550.5454
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 1.888.299.9222
Clients should have their status card and BC Services Card ready when calling.

MAILING ADDRESS
First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits
540 - 757 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1A1

IN-PERSON INQUIRIES
1166 Alberni Street Room 701 Vancouver, BC V6E 3Z3

ONLINE
www.fnha.ca/benefits

COMMUNITY RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVES
Health Benefits has a Community Relations Representative in each of the five health regions.
For contact information, email [email protected]

Pacific Blue Cross

MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 7000 Vancouver, BC V6B 4E1

GENERAL Toll-Free:
1-855-550-5454

ONLINE
www.pac.bluecross.ca

Am I Eligible?

The Health Benefits Program is available to First Nations people with Indian status who live in BC.
The Health Benefits Program is also available to infants (up to 24 months) if at least one parent is eligible for the program.

You are not eligible for Health Benefits if you have health insurance provided by the federal government,
or by a First Nations organization as part of a self-government agreement with Canada.

If you need to register for Indian status, or have questions related to Indian status eligibility,
see How to apply for a status card on the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) website.

Program Goals

The goal of the Health Benefits Program is to cover medically necessary items, services, and travel that:

address First Nations peoples’ unique health needs
respect First Nations’ cultures and values
ensure the program is available for future generations
close the health gap between First Nations and non-First Nations in BC
focus on wellness and prevention instead of only treating sickness
are based on professional judgement, best practices, and evidence-based care

About this Benefit: Dental Benefit

Seeing an oral health care provider regularly can help you catch dental problems before they get too serious and require more extensive procedures. Oral health is directly linked to general health and wellness. Dental infections can make certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy, more complicated.

Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to offer a comprehensive dental plan to First Nations in BC.
A Dental Benefit factsheet is available here.

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What My Plan Covers

Your plan covers certain dental items and services under the following categories:

bridges
crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers
dental surgery
dental sedation
dentures
exams and x-rays
root canals and related services

fillings
night guards
orthodontic services (coverage has age restrictions and medical criteria)
periodontal services
preventive services

What My Plan Does Not Cover

Some items and services are considered Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

Dental benefit Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

cosmetic treatments
implants
ridge augmentation

You can find detailed information about your dental benefits through your PBC Member Profile, which you can access online or through the PBC app.

How Do I Access Coverage?

When you make an appointment,
the best way to access your coverage and avoid out-of-pocket costs is to discuss your treatment plan and billing details with your provider.

1. Ask your dental provider if they are registered with PBC.
Providers who are registered can bill directly. If you see a provider who is not registered with PBC you will need to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement.

2. Make sure any prior approval requests for items or services have been approved.
Some items and services require prior approval, which your provider can request directly from PBC.

3. Check if your dental provider requires payment up front.
Some providers ask their clients to pay for items and services before undergoing treatment.

4. Talk to your provider about which items and services are fully covered by your plan.
Some providers charge more than the dental benefit maximums. Make sure you are aware of all charges before undergoing treatment.

If you have any questions about your dental plan, how to access coverage, or why a claim was denied, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

About this Benefit: Medical Supplies & Equipment Benefit

Many people need medical supplies and medical equipment for short- or long-term health conditions.
These supplies are an important part of supporting your health and wellness.

Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to offer a comprehensive medical supplies and equipment (MS&E) plan to First Nations in BC. A Medical Supplies & Equipment factsheet is available here.

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What My Plan Covers

Your plan covers certain MS&E items and services under the following categories:

• bathing & toileting aids
• braces & splints
• cushions & protectors
• diabetic & heart patient devices
• foot orthotics & orthopedic shoes
• gender affirming products
• general medical supplies & equipment
• hearing aids & repairs
• hospital beds

• limb and body orthotics
• low-vision aids
• offloading boots (air casts)
• ostomy supplies
• oxygen, sleep & breathing aids
• prosthetics and supplies
• surgical stockings & pressure garments
• urinary supplies & devices
• walking aids & wheelchairs
• wound care supplies
• lifting & transfer aids

What My Plan Does Not Cover

Some items and services are considered Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

MS&E benefit Exclusions include, but are not limited to:
• household items
• home renovations (eg, ramps, stair lifts)
• items that are not medically necessary
(eg, items for cosmetic purposes) or have a covered alternative (eg, scooters)
• items required for medical trials or studies
• sports equipment (eg, treadmills, exercise items)

You can find detailed information about your MS&E benefits through your PBC Member Profile,
which you can access online or through the PBC app.

How Do I Access Coverage?

There are certain steps you can take to access your coverage, avoid out-of-pocket costs and get the items you need quickly.

1. If your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider suggests an MS&E item, be sure to ask them for a prescription or written recommendation.
Once you have your prescription or written recommendation,
you can take it to a pharmacy or an MS&E provider to get the medical supplies or equipment that you need.

2. Ask your pharmacist or MS&E provider if they are registered with PBC.
Pharmacies and providers who are registered can bill directly.
If you see a provider who is not registered with PBC, you will need to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement.

3. Make sure any prior approval requests for items or services have been approved.
Some items and services under the MS&E benefit require approval before your pharmacist or provider can bill for them.
Your provider can submit approval requests directly to PBC.

4. Talk to your pharmacist or MS&E provider about which items and services are covered by your MS&E plan.
If an item is not covered, ask your provider for a covered alternative.

If you have any questions about your MS&E plan, how to access coverage, or why a claim was denied, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

About this Benefit: Mental Health Benefit

Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness.

Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer the Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) benefit to First Nations in BC.You can access the Mental Health Benefit Schedule here.

For more information about the updates to the Mental Wellness and Counselling program,
please see a Client frequently asked questions resource here.

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What My Benefit Covers

Your benefit covers counselling services from a qualified mental health provider. Mental health providers include psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers.

The mental health provider must be registered with Health Benefits. Options to find a registered mental health provider:

Call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454;
Browse the Health Benefits Mental Health Provider List;
Browse the mental health provider map
(see the Mental Health Provider Map Guide for instructions on how to locate a mental health provider using the map)

You can call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454 to learn more about what is covered.

What My Benefit Does Not Cover

Some services are considered Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

Some examples of common mental health Exclusions are:

services for children under the age of six
psychiatric emergencies for people at risk of harm to self or others
services funded by another program or agency
(e.g. psychiatric services through BC MSP counselling provided to incarcerated clients)
services for the purpose of a third party
(e.g. school application, employment assessment, to support legal action, child custody, etc.)
Telehealth through instant messaging or emails

How Do I Access Coverage?

You must see a provider who is registered with the Health Benefits Program to receive coverage for your counselling services.

If you need travel assistance to access counselling, please contact the Medical Transportation Program
(email: [email protected] ; phone: 1-855-550-5454).

Note: Medical Transportation coverage may be available for trips that meet Medical Transportation criteria.
Learn more about your Medical Transportation benefits here.

If you prefer virtual appointments, talk to your provider about Telehealth options.
See the Telehealth page or the Telehealth for Mental Health poster.

1. Tell your provider that you have coverage through the Health Benefits Program when scheduling your first appointment.

2. Your first appointment is about determining if the provider is the right fit for you.
You can change to another registered provider at any time.

3. Cancel your appointment ahead of time if you can no longer make it.
Health Benefits does not pay for missed appointments and your provider may charge you for the cost of your appointment if you do not show up.

If you have any questions about your mental health benefit, how to access coverage, how to find a mental health provider or why a claim was denied, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

About this Benefit: Pharmacy Benefit

Medications and other pharmacy items and services can be an important part of preventing and managing illness.
The Pharmacy Benefit is designed to meet the unique health and wellness needs of First Nations people living in British Columbia (BC).

A Pharmacy Benefit factsheet is available here.

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What My Benefit Covers

PharmaCare Plan W (for Wellness) is the plan for First Nations people in BC. For more information, see the PharmaCare Plan W webpage.

Your Benefit Covers:	To learn more about these items, you can explore:
Prescription drugs	The Plan W drug list (learn how to use the PharmaCare formulary by watching this video)
Over-the-counter drugs	A list of over-the-counter medications
Non-drug over-the-counter items (e.g., diabetic supplies)	A list of over-the-counter items
Diabetes Drugs, Insulins and Supplies	A summary of Diabetes Drugs, Insulins and Supplies Coverage for FNHA Clients
Wellness initiatives (e.g., the Shringrix® vaccine)	The supplementary drug list intended to support unique First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) wellness initiatives

What My Benefit Does Not Cover

Some items and services are considered Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

Pharmacy benefit Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

alternative therapies (eg, glucosamine and evening primrose oil)
weight management drugs
cannabis
clinic, physician and hospital fees, including for completing a form
drugs with investigational or experimental status
impotence drugs
prescriptions written by a veterinarian
most vaccines

You must be enrolled with Health Benefits to access pharmacy benefits.

If you need to enroll for the first time or want to check your enrollment, please have your status number ready and call Health Benefits at
1-855-550-5454.

How Do I Access Coverage?

When you need medications or pharmacy items to treat your health conditions or to support your wellness, the best way to avoid out-of-pocket costs is to talk to your prescriber and pharmacist about which items are fully covered by your plan.

Talk to your prescriber about your health needs to determine if there is an appropriate medication or pharmacy item for your condition or symptoms.
Some medications or pharmacy items need Special Authority from PharmaCare for coverage.
Ask your prescriber if your medication or pharmacy item requires Special Authority.
Talk to your pharmacist about your healthcare goals and prescription.
Most pharmacy items are either fully covered or have a fully-covered alternative. If you are being asked to pay for your medication, you can ask the pharmacist if there is an alternative covered by your plan. Pharmacists may also recommend covered over-the-counter medications to treat specific conditions or symptoms.
The pharmacist will dispense your medication and bill Plan W or PBC directly.

If you have any questions about your pharmacy benefit or how to access coverage, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

Over-the-Counter Medications
How to access Over-the-Counter Medications covered by Plan W

About this Benefit: Vision Care Benefit

Getting a regular eye exam is necessary to maintain good eye health. If you wear prescription contacts or eye glasses it is important to update your prescription regularly, and to get eye exams, which check the eyes and brain for diseases.

Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to offer a comprehensive vision care plan to First Nations in BC.
A Vision Care Benefit factsheet is available here.

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What My Plan Covers

Your plan covers certain vision care items and services under the following categories:

prescription eyewear and repairs
sight tests and eye exams

You can find detailed information about your vision care benefits through your PBC Member Profile, which you can access online or through the PBC app.”

What My Plan Does Not Cover

Some items and services are considered Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

Vision care benefit Exclusions include, but are not limited to:

prescription eyewear accessories or supplies (e.g., contact lens solution, glasses cases)
industrial safety frames or lenses
non-prescription items
surgical procedures (e.g., laser eye surgery)
procedures covered by MSP (e.g., cataract surgery)

How Do I Access Coverage?

When you make an appointment,
the best way to access your coverage and avoid out-of-pocket costs is to discuss your exam, eyewear options, and billing details with your provider.

1. Ask your provider if they are registered with PBC.
Providers who are registered can bill them directly. If you see a provider who is not registered you will need to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement. You can also search for a provider who is registered for direct billing using your PBC Member Profile.

2. Check if your vision care provider requires payment up front.
Some providers ask their clients to pay for items and services before the appointment.

3. Talk to your vision care provider about which items and services are fully covered by your vision care plan.
Before your eye exam, and before ordering your contact lenses or picking out your prescription glasses, make sure you have enough coverage to cover the cost. If the item or service costs more than your vision care benefit maximums, you will need to pay out of pocket for the remainder.

4. Health Benefits will cover glasses or contact lenses purchased online,
however you will have to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement.

If you have any questions about your vision care plan, how to access coverage, or why a claim was denied, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

About this Benefit: Reimbursements

If you paid out-of-pocket for an item, service, or travel that is covered by Health Benefits, you can request reimbursement.

To be reimbursed, you must meet the criteria for the item, service, or travel you received. If your request is approved, you will be reimbursed up to the maximum your plan allows. For how to check your coverage, see the related benefit on the Health Benefits Guide page.

When providers are not able to bill PBC or Health Benefits directly for eligible items and services, clients will need to pay out-of-pocket and then request reimbursement. If the cost of the item or service is more than what Health Benefits covers, clients will have to pay out-of-pocket for the remaining balance.

Dental, Vision, MS&E Reimbursements

Reimbursement requests for dental, vision care, and MS&E items and services can be submitted electronically using the PBC Member Profile, available at www.pac.bluecross.ca, or can be mailed to PBC. Requests must be submitted within one year from the date on which the item or service was received.

Online submission through the PBC Member Profile is recommended as reimbursement will usually occur within two business days. If clients are submitting requests to PBC by mail, they must submit the appropriate reimbursement form and all original itemized receipts. Dental, vision care, and MS&E forms can be found online at www.pac.bluecross.ca. Clients should mail reimbursement requests to:

Pacific Blue Cross
PO Box 7000
Vancouver, BC V6B 4E1

Medical Transportation, Mental Health, Pharmacy Reimbursements

Reimbursement requests for items and services under medical transportation and mental health should be submitted to Health Benefits.

Some pharmacy items and services are also eligible for reimbursement through Health Benefits. These include:
• Claims for infants who do not yet have a Personal Health Number (PHN);
• Claims for infants who do not yet have a status number;
• Out-of-province expenses that were denied by Pharmacare; and
• Co-payment amounts charged by pharmacies that are above the amount covered by PharmaCare for the following items:
- Rapid-acting analogue insulins (Humalog, novo-rapid in the name);
- Cystic fibrosis nutritional supplements/vitamins; and
- Diabetes supplies (insulin pumps, needles and syringes, blood glucose test strips).

All requests must be received by Health Benefits within one year from the date on which the item or service was received. Clients should submit the Client Reimbursement Form with all original itemized receipts to Health Benefits either by mail or fax.

The Health Benefits client reimbursement form can be found online at: http://www.fnha.ca/benefits/reimbursements.

Out-of-Province Pharmacy Reimbursements

If you filled a prescription at a pharmacy in another province or a territory outside of BC,
you will need to fill out a Pharmacare First Nations Health Benefits Out-of-Province Claim.

Mail or fax the completed form with all original receipts to BC PharmaCare.
PharmaCare
PO Box 9655 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9P2
Fax: 250 405-3587

If you are denied reimbursement for a Plan W item by Pharmacare, you may be reimbursed by Health Benefits.
Call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.

Pregnancy and Infant Care

The FNHA Health Benefits Program can support you and your baby through your pregnancy and after you give birth.

Pregnancy brings lots of change. Some changes may be physical while others may be social or emotional. Throughout your pregnancy, it is important to talk about your questions or health concerns with your health care provider, such as a community health nurse, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, doctor, or midwife.

The Health Benefits Program can support you by covering many of the medically-necessary items and services your health care provider might recommend. This guide provides an overview of the Health Benefits coverage available to you and your family.

In this guide, coverage areas are divided up according to health concerns that may come up during pregnancy and after. However, all coverage is available at any time, regardless of where you are in your pregnancy journey.

If you have questions about what Health Benefits covers, or if you are having trouble accessing coverage, call us at 1-855-550-5454. You can also find information on how to access your benefits coverage at: fnha.ca/benefits

Your Coverage during Pregnancy

Your Coverage After Giving Birth

Travel for Prenatal Care Checkups and Delivery

Prenatal care checkups are important opportunities for your health care provider to check that your baby is growing and that you both are staying healthy. If you live in a rural or remote community and have limited access to maternity care, you may need to travel to see a health care provider for an ultrasound or other appointment. You may also need to travel when it’s time for you to give birth, depending on the health care resources in your community.

Coverage offered through the Medical Travel Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers travel, including meals and accommodation, to see a health care provider outside your community for prenatal appointments, as well as when it is time for you to give birth. Health Benefits may also cover travel for one person to accompany you. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about when to have your prenatal checkups.

Prenatal Vitamins

Your nutritional health is an important part of keeping you and your baby healthy. It is best to start taking folic acid two to three months before getting pregnant and continue to take it during your pregnancy. Eating well and taking prenatal vitamins can help support the healthy development of your baby. It is also a good idea to keep taking your prenatal vitamins after you give birth.

Coverage offered through Pharmacy Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers prenatal vitamins, iron, and folic acid to support you in having a healthy pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about how exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle factors can help you to have a healthy pregnancy.

Oral Health

Oral hygiene and dental check-ups are an important part of your care during pregnancy. Preventing and treating tooth decay and infections in your mouth can help the development and oral health of your baby. Research shows there may be a link between dental diseases and having a pre-term or low-birth weight baby. Eating a balanced diet and taking prenatal vitamins also help with your baby’s teeth development during your pregnancy. You may notice that changing hormones make your gums swell, bleed more easily, and feel irritated. It is a good idea to get regular dental check-ups during and after your pregnancy.

Coverage offered through Dental Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers your dental checkups, cleanings and many other dental treatments you may need. Talk to your oral health care provider if you have questions about your oral health and pregnancy.

Eyes and Vision

Regular vision exams are an important part of your overall wellness and self-care. Pregnancy can change your vision by causing blurry vision, headaches, and light sensitivity. Most vision changes during pregnancy are mild and temporary. Sometimes, vision blurriness, light sensitivity and/or headaches can be an indication of more serious health conditions. Contact your health care provider if you notice any of these vision changes.

Coverage offered through Vision Care Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers eye exams and other eye care-related services. Talk to your eye care provider if you have questions about your vision and pregnancy.

Alcohol, Cannabis, Commercial Tobacco, and Other Substance Use

Using illicit or prescription drugs, alcohol or commercial tobacco during pregnancy can cause short- and long-term health conditions for the person who is pregnant and the baby. After giving birth, substances can pass to the baby when breastfeeding, and second-hand smoke can harm the baby.

If this is a concern for you, bringing a baby into the world can be an opportunity to think about your and your baby’s wellness. What are ways you and your family can plan for a healthy pregnancy and welcome your new baby into the world?

Coverage offered through Pharmacy Benefit, Counselling Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers products to help you reduce or quit smoking commercial tobacco, if you decide that is right for you. Overcoming regular use of commercial tobacco or nicotine can be hard, and you may need extra support, including wholistic supports such as counselling or traditional healing. Talk to your health care provider about the options available to you and where to get help.

Health Benefits also covers medications prescribed to treat substance use. Many medications can impact a baby’s development, so it is important to talk to your health care provider about the best option for you. If you decide a treatment centre would help you with substance use, Health Benefits can help cover the travel to some centres. It is a good idea to double-check if the centre admits people who are actively using substances or taking medication for substance use, and if they will admit people who are pregnant.

If you would like to access an addictions and psychiatry specialist, you can ask your health and wellness provider for a referral to the First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service. This is a free service of the FNHA that you can access by phone or video conference with your provider. Specialists offer treatment support that is culturally safe and trauma informed.

Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about commercial tobacco, alcohol, drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you use traditional medicines, let your health care provider know.

Mental Health

During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes may affect your mental health. There may be times when you feel joy and excitement to meet your baby, and times when you feel sad, nervous, stressed or worried. You may experience these feelings before or after the baby is born. Sometimes partners experience these feelings as well. This is a very common experience and support is available to help you and your family.

Coverage offered through Mental Health Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers counselling sessions to support you in your mental health journey. Counselling can be a great place to talk about the feelings you are experiencing, and can offer comfort and tools to help you work through them. Coverage is also available for medication to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns that may be recommended by your health care provider.

You are encouraged to talk to your mental health care provider, community health nurse, or other health care provider if you have questions about depression or other mental health concerns during pregnancy. Additional support programs and services are listed at the end of this guide.

Pregnancy Discomforts

Symptoms of discomfort due to pregnancy vary from person to person. You may experience nausea and vomiting, heartburn and indigestion, incontinence, constipation, migraines, head and back aches, swelling or other symptoms. If you use cannabis to help with nausea, consult with your health care provider. Cannabis is not recommended during pregnancy and there are other options available.

It is also a good idea to talk with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medications. Your health care provider needs to know you are having these discomforts, as they can be a sign of a medical condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Coverage offered through Pharmacy Benefit

The Health Benefits Program covers many of the medications for pain relief, nausea and other stomach complaints. It also covers various incontinence supplies, as well as supplies like compression stockings and maternity belts that may help with back aches or bodily swelling. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about how to treat common pregnancy discomforts.

Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes

It is important for your health—and the health of your growing baby—to be checked for diabetes. If you have never been tested for diabetes, it is a good idea to get tested before getting pregnant or at your first prenatal appointment. This can usually be done with your family doctor, primary care provider, or community health nurse. In the early stages of diabetes a person may not feel different or have symptoms, so getting tested is the best way to know.

During pregnancy, some people develop a form of diabetes called gestational diabetes. A test for gestational diabetes will occur between 24 and 28 weeks into your pregnancy. People who develop gestational diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar levels, and may need to take diabetes medication or insulin. Gestational diabetes will go away after you give birth, but it does increase your risk for having diabetes later in life. You will need to go for follow-up screening, usually between six weeks and six months after your baby is born. After that, it is recommended that you go for annual screening.

Coverage

The Health Benefits Program covers a variety of diabetes medication and supplies, including blood glucose test strips and insulin. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about diabetes or gestational diabetes.

Feeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. Breastmilk is safe, clean, and contains antibodies to protect your baby against common childhood illnesses. It has the energy and nutrients your baby needs for growth and development.

The Health Benefits Program covers some of the items you may need to help you breastfeed your baby such as manual breast pumps, electric breast pumps, and nipple shields. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about breastfeeding.

Vitamin Supplements and Medication

Once you give birth, you may have questions about how to take care of your baby and what to do if your baby doesn’t feel well. It is recommended that all babies who are breastfeeding receive supplemental vitamin D. If your baby gets sick, make sure you talk to your health care provider before giving your baby any medications for pain or fever. Babies and children should never be given ASA products (Aspirin), unless on the advice of a doctor.

The Health Benefits Program covers some of the items you may need to care for your baby such as infant vitamin D drops and generic brand “baby Tylenol.” Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about any health concerns affecting your baby.

Your Baby’s Oral Health

Even before your baby starts teething you can start taking care of their oral health. You can use a damp washcloth or an infant-sized toothbrush to clean your baby’s gums daily. Once the first tooth comes in, brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a bit of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. It is recommended to take your baby to the dentist or another oral health care provider within six months of your baby’s first tooth.

The Health Benefits Program covers your baby’s dental checkups, cleanings and many other dental treatments your baby may need. Talk to your oral health care provider if you have questions about how to care for your baby’s oral health.

Contraceptives

It is helpful to explore what contraceptive options might work best for you to support safe and positive sex and your family planning needs.

The Health Benefits Program covers various prescription contraceptives, such as contraceptive pills, patches, rings, shots, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), to help support you in your family planning decisions. Health Benefits also covers emergency contraceptive medication. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about family planning.

Your Baby’s Health Care Coverage

Your Baby’s Health Care Coverage

Your baby will need individual health care coverage through the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) and FNHA’s Health Benefits Program.

Follow these steps to set up your baby’s account:
1. Register your baby for a Personal Health Number (PHN) to access MSP.
2. Register your baby for a status number, either through Indigenous Services Canada or your local band office. You will need the personal information and signature of both parents on your baby’s status number application.
3. Once you have your baby’s PHN and status number, call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454. It is best to begin the registration process early, as it can take several months for registrations to be processed.

Your baby will be covered under your or your partner’s status number until 24 months of age. If you are having trouble getting an item or service covered for your baby, call Health Benefits.

How to Access Your Pregnancy and Baby Care Benefits Coverage

The Health Benefits Program can support you by covering many of the medically-necessary items and services your health care provider might recommend. Some items or services need a prescription, a written recommendation from your health provider, or approval from Health Benefits to be covered.

First Nations Health Benefits has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to administer dental, vision and medical supplies & equipment (MS&E) benefits. Providers who are registered with PBC can bill your plan directly for these services.

PBC is a BC-based organization and is dedicated to the principles and practices of cultural safety and humility.

How to Create a PBC Member Profile You can use your status number to create a free PBC Member Profile to:

Check your benefits coverage and amount
Submit a claim for reimbursement online (if you paid up front for a service covered by your plan)
Search for vision care providers who offer direct billing PBC reimburses online claims in as little as 48 hours.

Visit pac.bluecross.ca/fnhaclient and click on “I want to Register for Access to my Member Profile.” Follow the steps to set up your profile and password.