Non-Insured Health Benefits

Non-Insured Health Benefits is a health program for Indigenous people in Canada.

In Anishinabek News

• March 2014: As of March 2014, the program does not allow independent dental hygiene clinics in Ontario to bill for services, despite recognizing them as providers in Alberta. A spokesperson for Health Canada stated the program is collaborating with the Ontario Dental Hygienists Association on a survey of pilot project participants.
• January 2016: A two-year review of this program was discussed by Patrick Madahbee at a 2016 health conference. Changes resulting from the review were expected to impact areas such as medical transportation.
• March 2017: The 2017 federal budget included $86 million to expand this program to include traditional healers and mental health care.
• October 2025: Despite the existence of this program, nearly 500,000 First Nation children in Canada have never received an eye examination. The Indigenous Children's Eye Examinations Initiative helps bridge the gap for communities that do not utilize these benefits for vision care.
• February 2026: The Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides coverage for counselling, addiction treatment, and medication for eligible Indigenous people. Access to the Non-Insured Health Benefits program often requires the presentation of a Status Card, which can be a barrier for youth in crisis. Melissa Podnar suggested that expanding this program would be a significant step toward reconciliation.