Update from FNHA: New Partnership to Deliver Improved Health Benefits Program to First Nations People in BC

Leaders from the FNHA and Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) signing the new services agreement between the two organizations. Standing, left to right: Richard Jock, FNHA Chief Operating Officer;  Leza Muir, PBC Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer; John Mah, FNHA Vice-President, Health Benefits; Rob Chiarello, Vice-President, People and Culture, PBC. Seated, left to right: Joe Gallagher, FNHA CEO; John Crawford, PBC President and CEO).

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) recently announced that it has partnered with Pacific Blue Cross to administer a suite of health benefits to First Nations residents of BC.

Starting this September, Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) will administer benefits on behalf of the FNHA for dental, vision, medical supplies and equipment, and drugs not covered by PharmaCare. Currently, approximately 144,000 First Nations people in BC receive these benefits primarily through Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)—a national program that provides coverage to registered First Nations for a specified range of medically necessary items and services that are not covered by other plans and programs.

At a signing ceremony held on April 16, 2019 at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, the Chief Executive Officers of the FNHA and PBC signed a Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility safety and a five-year services agreement.

To learn more about the partnership, go to: http://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/new-partnership-to-deliver-improved-health-benefits-program-to-first-nations-people-in-bc  

Further updates will be communicated through healthcare professional associations for changes to the First Nations Health Benefits program. If you have any questions, please contact us at provider@fnha.ca.   

#OT365