MEMBERSHIP FORMS

& AVAILABLE RESOURCES

MEMBERS!

DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION
Please ensure we have your up-to-date direct deposit information to avoid delays in access to funding.
need to update us?

Email: [email protected]
​
Phone:
250-332-5908

We need the following information kept up to date for distribution and data collection purposes:
  • FULL Address,
  • Phone Number,
  • Email address,
  • Banking information for direct deposit,
DIRECT DEPOSIT

Direct Deposit Application

Please ensure your banking information is up-to-date to receive direct deposit transfer of funds to your bank.
*Important Notice -
​Direct deposits will only be made on Thursdays once per week.

​Please follow these guidelines and have your forms in advance of your appointment.
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.

WHAT SUPPORT DO
​YOU REQUIRE?

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 with FNHA

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

SUBMIT/UPLOAD
​APPLICATIONS

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

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

​Type of documents accepted:
  • Report Cards,
  • Fair Admission 
    (for reimbursements)
  • Written Confirmation of Attendance (Patient Travel),
  • Direct Deposit Information
  • Photos of events
    (etc.)
UPLOAD APPLICATION/DOCUMENT

    Upload Application

    Max file size: 20MB

FILLABLE (NEW) / DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

are you experiencing any issues with one of our applications? let us know:

    Experiencing Issue with Form
MEDICAL TRAVEL APPLICATION

Medical Travel

  • ​​​​ABOUT THIS B​​ENEFIT
  • ​​COVERAGE
  • ​MEAL RATES
  • ESCORTS
  • ACCOMMODATIONS
  • ​HOW DO I ACCESS
<
>
The Medical Transportation (MT) benefit is intended to supplement the cost of travel expenses to access medically necessary health services not available in your community of residence. 

​If you are registered with First Nations Health Benefits & Services (FNHBS), you are eligible for MT benefits.

MT benefits may provide funding towards the cost of travel, accommodation and meals for the following:
  • A mileage rate that supplements the cost of fuel;
  • Non-commercial accommodation (i.e., Jean C. Barber Lodge or Easter Seals);
  • Commercial accommodation at the most economical medical rate;
  • Accommodation in private homes
  • Meals at a daily rate, nightly rate or weekly rate.

Note: If you need someone to accompany you for medical travel, you may be eligible to travel with an Escort.

​To learn more about this benefit, please visit: 
​https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/medical-transportation

WHAT IS COVERED?

Vertical Divider
Your MT Benefits provide assistance with the cost of meals, accommodation and transportation to help you travel to a medical appointment outside your community of residence.

MT coverage is intended as a supplement and may not cover the full cost of your travel.

You can acces​s medical transportation benefits if you are traveling to:
  • ​Medical services covered by MSP or a public health agency;
  • Services eligible under the Health Benefits Program
    ​(e.g., dental, vision, etc.);
  • Traditional healers; or
  • ​​Treatment at an FNHA funded facility for substance use (formerly NNADAP).
    ​
MT benefits cover travel to the closest appropriate provider, using the most efficient and economical type of transportation appropriate for your needs and medical condition.  ​​

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

Some types of travel are Exclusions. Exclusions cannot be covered as an exception and cannot be appealed.

MT benefit Exclusions include, but are not limited to:
  • ​​Compassionate travel
    (e.g., travelling to visit a family member who is receiving medical treatment);
  • ​Payment of fees for a doctor's note;
  • Travel back to your community of residence if you become sick or injured while away from home;
  • Travel when the medically necessary service is available in your community;
  • Travel to access medical appointments located outside of Canada;
  • Travel to access services that are not considered medically necessary; or
  • Travel where the only purpose is to pick up items that do not need to be fitted.
    ​(e.g., prescriptions, prescription glasses or contacts and some medical supplies and equipment). ​
​Regular repeated travel
​Clients who need to travel repeatedly, twice or more per week, on a long-term basis to access medically necessary health services may receive Medical Transportation benefits for up to four months. Regular repeated travel beyond four months must be submitted as an Exception
The Medical Transportation benefit supplements the cost of meals in accordance with the following rates:
Vertical Divider
​​Daily rate for same-day travel
over six hours
  • $17.00 per person​
Vertical Divider
​​Nightly Rate for short-term travel
​up to 6 nights
  • ​$68.00 per night per person five years old and over
  • ​​$29.00 per night per person​ under five years old
Weekly Rate for overnight trips
​of seven nights or more
  • ​​$283.00 per week per Client
  • ​$425.00 per week per Client​ and approved escort* ​
If you need someone to accompany you on your trip to your appointment, you may be eligible to travel with an escort.

Medical transportation coverage may be available for an escort when a Client requires support to access medically necessary health services. Escort coverage is provided for the appropriate length of time the escort is required, based on the Client’s health, medical condition and legal requirements.

For coverage for an escort to be approved, the travel request must be submitted before the start of the trip.

​For emergency hospitalization (e.g., via Medivac) requiring an escort, the travel request must be submitted within three days of the hospital admission.  The payment of a fee, honorarium, or salary to an escort is not an eligible benefit under the medical transportation benefit. 

​Escorts are covered under certain conditions, including if you: 
  • Are a minor;
  • Need help with activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, eating, or bathing);
  • Are undergoing a medical procedure (e.g., day surgery) or have a medical condition that means you need help to get home;
  • Will face a language barrier; or
  • Are travelling to give birth.
  • Individuals ages 65 and above that require assistance to attend scheduled medical appointments; and 
  • Clients travelling to and from substance use treatment centers.
​Escorts for Clients in hospital 

Clients who are in the care of a hospital outside their community of residence may receive coverage for an escort for the lesser of the length of their stay or five days.  Requests for escort coverage for more than five days or an indeterminate period of time must be submitted as an Exception.

In order to provide a timely response to the Exception request, the Benefit Administrator must submit a copy of the Exception Request form and supporting documentation in advance. The Health Benefits program will assess the Exception request based on the continued need or responsibility of the escort to support the Client in the hospital.

Factors considered in assessing the eligibility of Exception requests for extended escort coverage include, but are not limited to: 
• The escort will provide ongoing legal and decision-making services for the Client that can only be done in person;
• The escort will assist a Client who is elderly, frail, or has mental or physical impairments with daily activities that contribute to the Client’s recovery that cannot be provided by the hospital or care staff;
• The escort will provide the Client with translation or interpretive services that cannot be sufficiently addressed by the hospital or
• The escort will receive instructions on necessary medical procedures that cannot be given to the Client alone, within the requested extension period. 

​If a Client is transported to a hospital by Emergency Services without an escort, the Medical Transportation benefit may provide coverage for an escort to travel to the hospital where the Client is being treated. Coverage will be provided for the most economical means of travel from the Client’s community of residence or the escort’s community of residence, whichever is a lesser distance.  
​Medical Transportation benefits are provided for overnight accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Coverage is based on medical justification, time of appointment, distance travelled, location of accommodation and schedule of coordinated transportation. 
Vertical Divider
Overnight Hotel accommodations

Have an earlier appointment? Clients can get overnight accommodations to the nearest, cost-effective Hotel to ensure availability to attend scheduled appointments. 
Private accommodation rates

Clients who choose accommodation in a private home will be reimbursed in accordance with the following rates: ​

Clients will now receive $50 per night when staying in a private home, and the maximum limit of $100 per week will no longer apply.
Clients who choose to make different accommodation arrangements may seek reimbursement but will be responsible for any difference in cost.
• Not-for-profit accommodations such as the Easter Seals or Cancer Lodge must be used whenever possible. Accommodation for minors accessing treatment at BC Children’s Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children should be arranged through the BC Family Residence Program.
• The Health Benefits program will cover the room cost and any appropriate taxes for the most efficient and economical accommodation.
​• The Health Benefits program will not cover any incidental fees incurred by the Client.
• Accommodations lasting more than six nights should be in hotel rooms with a kitchenette.  ​
Long-term or extended stays
• Travel for more than five consecutive nights in duration must be submitted as an Exception.
• Clients and escorts, if applicable, that are approved for a duration of more than six nights should be booked accommodations with cooking facilities and provided the weekly meal rate to purchase groceries.
• Extended stays for Clients accessing medical services where the Client is required to remain close to a treatment facility outside their community of residence must be submitted as an Exception and may be covered for up to a three-month transition period only. Clients are encouraged to arrange for alternative funding 
Where you access the program depends on what Nation and/or community you are from and where you live.

If you live in community, please contact your community’s Patient Travel (PT) Clerk to access your MT benefits.
For Nuchatlaht Tribe Members, Audrey Smith is your community Patient Travel Clerk. 
[email protected]

​If you live outside your community, or are unsure who to contact for your travel, please call us at 1-855-550-5454.
​
​1. Submit a Medical Transportation Request Form  at least 5 business days before your trip to get prior approval before travelling. 
You will also need to submit written confirmation of your appointment from your provider.

If you do not get prior approval for your trip, or if you do not submit your request form ahead of time,
​you may have to reschedule your appointment or pay for your travel costs yourself and then request reimbursement. 

2. Your commun​​ity Patient Travel Clerk will make your travel arrangements and send you the details. 

3. Atte​nd your ​​appointment as scheduled.​

​4. After you​r trip, submit a written confirmation of attendance (COA). 
​You must provide confirmation from your provider that you attended your appointment. If you need to request reimbursement, you will need to submit your written COA with your request.

Clients who do not attend their appointment may be asked to pay back the cost of their travel.

Medical Travel
​Application Package

The Medical Travel Application Package includes:
  • The Confidential Medical Travel Application,
  • Confirmation Client Attended Appointment form
To ensure we can process your application quickly and avoid delays in processing, we require applications be submitted up to a week prior to your scheduled appointment.

Apply for medical transportation benefit

    MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
    ​REQUEST FORM

    CLIENT INFORMATION
    If your direct deposit is up to date, funding will be deposited into the primary applicants bank account. Primary applicant will be responsible for the following funding deposits:
    Meal allowance for Primary Applicant & Escort (if required).
    Transportation funding with return travel
    Ferry costs (if required)
    Local transportation costs (Bus, Taxi, etc.)

    APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
    Max file size: 20MB

    OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS:
    IF HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS SELECTED, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT DATES BELOW:

    TRAVEL INFORMATION

    Please indicate your type of travel required to attend your appointment:
    NOTE: IF YOU REQUIRE A FERRY SERVICE TO ATTEND YOUR APPOINTMENT, WE WILL NEED PROOF OF PURCHASE TO BE SUBMITTED AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT.

    AGREEMENT AND UNDERTAKING:

    BY APPLYING FOR THE MEDICAL TRAVEL BENEFIT, I AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:
UPLOAD CONFIRMATION CLIENT ATTENDED APPOINTMENT (NEW)

    MEDICAL TRAVEL:
    ​UPLOAD DOCUMENT CONFIRMING CLIENT ATTENDED APPOINTMENT

    When attending an out-of-town appointment, FNHA Policy states that we must receive a written confirmation that the client has attended their appointment.

    We accept the following form of confirmations:
    • Written/printed-out/screenshot of Email from facility or doctor's office,
    • Written Confirmation of Attendance form (found on our website),
    • Appointment itinerary
      ​

    Client Information

    Appointment details

    UPLOAD WRITTEN CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDANCE

    Max file size: 20MB
mEMBERSHIP SUPPORT APPLICATION (HARDSHIP)

Membership Support Application
​(Financial Hardship)

download membership support application
  • ​​ABOUT THIS B​​ENEFIT
  • ​ELIGIBILITY
<
>
​Membership support is intended to provide financial assistance to band members in situations where an individual or family unit find themselves in financial need and all other avenues for financial support have been exhausted.
Members that apply for membership support can expect support in the form of a purchase order or gift card, or shipped materials when required. 

Monetary Deposits will no longer be offered as instructed by Chief and Council. 
In order to access the Membership support you must:
• be a registered member,
• be 19 years of age or older,
• not have received membership support in current fiscal year (April 1,2023 through March 31,2024),
• be currently unemployed,
• be considered to have low income for the family unit (not more than $2,500.00 of
monthly family income),
• provide proof on income,
• be receiving social assistance benefits,
• have payment made directly to supplier or reimbursement based on receipt submitted,
The following list of conditions will not be eligible for membership support:
  • Rent, rental arrears or damage deposits,
  • Hydro bills, heating oil or propane,
  • Vehicle payments, insurance payments,
  • Moving expenses (exception: family violence),
  • Travel assistance to attend criminal court,
  • Advances on ICBC or WCB or other financial settlements
apply for membership support benefit

    Membership Support
    ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBERS MUST HAVE STATUS NUMBER INCLUDED IN YOUR CLAIM.
    Ex.
    639 _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    Max file size: 20MB
SCHOOL SUPPLIES APPLICATION

School Supplies
​Application

For members with youth currently attending a public school in need of school supplies.
Applications must be submitted before the school term begins. Please include a copy of your child's report card when submitting. 
apply for school supplies benefit

    School Supplies
    Funding Application

    Children applying for:
    Does your child have their own banking information?

    School Information

    Report Card

    Max file size: 20MB
YOUTH ACTIVITY APPLICATION

YOUTH ACTIVITY APPLICATION

The Youth Activity Application gives parents access to funding ($40.00 per child) to purchase arts & crafts supplies or use towards other engaging activities such as school/and or sporting related activities. 

Applicants will receive funding via E-Gift card for required store. (Dollarama, Michaels, Walmart, etc.)

APPLY FOR YOUTH ACTIVITY BENEFIT

    YOUTH ACTIVITY APPLICATION

    Successful applicants will receive support in the form of an E-gift card for the appropriate store. Please include your primary email address we can send the gift-card to. 
ANNUAL FAIR APPLICATION

Vancouver Island
Annual Fair Application

For registered Youth/children under ​18 years of age
to attend the annual Fair events. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Reimbursement.

We will issue a reimbursement to cover the costs
of admission and ride passes.
​
Please ensure your banking information is up-to-date.

​*Proof of payment must be submitted to [email protected]
(in form of receipt and/or photo of wrist band)
apply for annual fair benefit

    Annual Fair
    ​Admission Ticket Reimbursement

    Note:
    When Applying: Registered Nuchatlaht members may apply for this benefit once per calendar year.  
    Eligibility:
    Under 18 participants will be eligible to receive the Fair Ride Pass reimbursement.
    Adult applicants will be eligible to receive gate admission reimbursement.

    CLIENT INFORMATION

    FAIR INFORMATION

    PROOF OF PURCHASE FOR REIMBURSEMENT

    Max file size: 20MB
FOOD FISH APPLICATION

Food Fish
​Application

For registered Nuchatlaht First Nation members to receive food fish.
​when Food Fish opportunities occur, we will notify members via our Facebook page.
apply for food fish benefit

    APPLY FOR FOOD FISH

    Applicant Information

    Please include other members currently residing in your household

    If your additional family members are registered with Nuchatlaht Tribe, you may be eligible to receive additional Food Fish.
    ​Please provide all status numbers. 

    MEETUP & SPECIES PREFERANCES
REGISTRATION / TRANSFER FORMS

REGISTRATION FORMS

REGISTER CHILD/YOUTH
​WITH NATION
(​15 YEARS OR YOUNGER)

 Register your child or youth under the age of 15 years.
​Ensure to include all applicable information when submitting your application.

REGISTER ADULT
​WITH NATION
(16 YEARS OR OLDER)

Register Adult (16 years or older)
​with Nuchatlaht Tribe (639)

Request to Transfer Forms

STATEMENT OF CONSENT FOR TRANSFER ​OF AN ADULT

This document is for individuals wanting to transfer from a 3rd-Party First Nation to the Nuchatlaht First Nation. Use this document if you are of age 16 years or older.

STATEMENT OF CONSENT FOR TRANSFER OF A CHILD

This document is for parents that want to transfer their child(ren) from a 3rd-Party First Nation to the Nuchatlaht First Nation. Parents please use this document if your child is 15 years or younger. 

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:
  • 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​.
Vertical Divider

What My Plan C​overs

​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 C​​​overage?

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​​.
Vertical Divider

What M​y 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 Cov​erage?

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​.
Vertical Divider

What My Benefit C​overs

​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:
  1. Call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454;
  2. Browse the Health Benefits Mental Health Provider List;
  3. Browse the mental health provider map 
    ​(see the M​ental 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 Doe​​s Not Co​​ver

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 app​ointment. 

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 Ben​​efit: 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​​.
Vertical Divider