Our Nisga’a Health Benefits Department
The Nisga’a Health Benefits (NHB) program provides supplemental health care coverage for Nisga’a citizens and band members. This helps ensure that medical care is accessible to all Nisga’a people in an inclusive way.
Health benefits are provided based on need. The program is the “payer of last resort” which means that these benefits are only provided when other options are not available. Please use employee benefits where possible.
Contact
Monday to Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 250-633-5030
Email: nisgaabenefits@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Weekends and after-hours
Phone: 250-975-0777
Email: benefitemergency@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Live in or travelling to Terrace, Prince Rupert, or Vancouver?
If you live in, or are travelling to, Terrace, Prince Rupert, or Vancouver, you can contact a Nisga’a Benefit Liaison for additional help accessing medical services or health benefits in these urban centres.
- Terrace: nhbgitlaxdax@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
- Prince Rupert: nhbgitmaxmakay@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
- Vancouver: nhbtsamiks@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Benefits Access and Eligibility
For pharmaceutical (prescription drugs) and dental coverage, present your Canada Life card to your provider. If you are unsure of your coverage eligibility, call 1-800-957-9777. You will need your Canada Life benefits number ready when you call.
To access all other benefits, contact us and we will guide you through the process. This is required and will ensure the program works efficiently and smoothly for you.
Apply for your child’s Canada Life coverage by filling out our Canada Life online intake form (the form is also available as a fillable pdf form to download, fill out and email to nisgaabenefits@nisgaahealth.bc.ca). Our staff will review your form and get in touch with you for next steps. All information is 100% confidential.
All registered Nisga’a citizens and band members are eligible. To register as a citizen, contact the Nisga’a Lisims Government Enrolment and Citizenship Department at 1-888-311-9457.
To be fully eligible for benefits, you also need to register with Canada Life. Canada Life is an insurance company that administers some benefits on behalf of the Nisga’a Nation. Once you register, you will receive a Canada Life benefits card with your benefits number.
Register with Canada Life by filling out our Canada Life online intake form (the form is also available as a fillable pdf form to download, fill out and email to nisgaabenefits@nisgaahealth.bc.ca). Our staff will review your form and get in touch with you for next steps. All information is 100% confidential.
Medical Travel
Information Booklet: Get Help with Travel for Medical Care
To read the full downloadable booklet above (4 pages in total), click HERE or click the image above.
Information Booklet: Medical Transportation Health Benefits Schedule
To read the full downloadable booklet above (16 pages in total), click HERE or click the image above.
Vision Care Benefits
Link to Medical Expenses Claim Form: Medical Expenses Claim Form
Services & Programs
Babies First Fill
This program helps new parents with the cost of prescription drugs while waiting for their child to be registered.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Medical Transportation (Patient Travel)
This program provides medical transportation to the nearest health service provider for services not available in your home community. Meals and accommodation, as well as escort and/or interpreter services are also covered when needed. For information booklets on the medical transportation program, see Medical Travel section above.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
If you are outside the Nass Valley, call 1-877-773-5030.
Vision
This program covers some or all of the cost of eyeglasses (when prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist), eye exams, and other vision benefits depending on your medical needs.
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Medical Supplies and Equipment
This program covers costs of medical supplies and equipment. You will need a prescription from your doctor to access these.
What is covered?
- Vitamins (when prescribed)
- Hearing aids
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Medical supplies such as ostomy supplies, bandages, and pressure garments
- Orthotics
- Prosthetics
- Oxygen therapy and respiratory therapy supplies
To access this benefit, contact us at 250-633-5030.
Prescription Drugs
This program covers the cost of medication authorized through a medical prescription from a doctor.
To access this benefit, present your Canada Life card to your pharmacist. If you have questions about drug coverage, call 1-800-957-9777. Have your Canada Life benefits number ready when you call.
Dental Work
To access dental coverage, present your Canada Life card to your dental service provider. If you have questions about what’s covered, call 1-800-957-9777 ahead of your appointment. Eligibility for dental work varies and a Canada Life representative can tell you what coverage you can expect. Have your Canada Life benefits number ready when you call.
