If yes, are you a resident of British Columbia (BC) or a band in another province or territory that has signed an agreement with the Government of Canada to manage its own health benefits program?
Yes
If yes, you are likely eligible for the medication benefits provided through the BC First Nations Health Authority or a plan administered by your band. More details can be found on the First Nations Health Authority website or through your band.
No
If no, then you may be eligible for the medication coverage provided through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program offered by Indigenous Services Canada.
The program operates on the basis of a formulary that specifies which medicines are covered and under what circumstances. Your prescriber can search the formulary to find out whether the medicine you need is covered and under what circumstances. In some cases, your prescriber needs to fill out and submit a request form. The request would have to be approved before the medication would be covered. If the medicine you need is not on the formulary, you should work with your prescriber to make a written request that outlines the specific medical reasons why this medication is needed even though it is not listed. The written request will be reviewed, and a decision made about whether or not it would be covered for you.
More information about coverage can be found on the NIHB Drug Benefits List website.
