Bigstone Health Commission

Our Vision
To revive, strengthen and protect members' treaty rights to health and to enhance the quality of life of members and others living on Bigstone Traditional Lands.



Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
General Program Information

INTRODUCTION
Non Insured Health Benefits are an inherent right for registered Treaty Status Indians as defined ny the Indian Act and are constitutionally protected. The benifits are to be comprehensive, accessible and provided as needed on a timely manner to all registered treaty status Bigstone Cree Nation members living on reserve and off reserve who are ordinarily residents in Canada. The national NIHB and Bigstone NIHB do not pay for medically justified products and services for Treaty Status Indians residing outside of Canada.

The Bigstone NIHB Pilot Project program draws its authority from the Federal Government, the 1979 Indian Health Policy and the renewed mandate of 1997. Bigstone NIHB follows the national guidelines, Policy and Procedure and mandate. The Program is needs-based which covers some of the cost for medically justified products and services that are not covered by Provincial, Territorial or any other third-party Health Plans. Non-Insured Health Benefits complements Alberta Health Care bebefits such as Doctor's visits and hospital services.

The Goals and Objectives of Bigstone Non-Insured Health Benefits Pilot Project are to provide benefits to registered Bigstone Cree Nation members in a manner that:

• Is appropriate to unique health needs;
• Contributes to the achievement of an overall health statys that is comparable to that of the Canadian population as a whole;
• Is sustainable from a fiscal and benefit management perspective; and
• Will maintain health, prevent disease, facilitate early detection of disease, and management of illness, injury or disability.

The Purpose of this information is to provide Bigstone Cree Nation members with important information about the Bigstone NIHB Pilot Pfoject program. It explains procedures in accessing products and services; who to contact, what is covered, who provides the service, how to access benefits and what your responsibilities are as a client.

All goods and services eligible under the Non-Insured Health Henefits (NIHB) Program must receive prior aproval with an attached prescription from a licensed Medical Doctor or Specialist.


N.I.H.B. Administration


Jane Chowace - N.I.H.B. Manager


Gloria Yellowknee - File Clerk