Eligible First Nations and Inuit patients receiving care through Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) will now be able to use direct billing for certain services covered by the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. This new process means eligible community members will no longer be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement afterward for certain services.
The new process introduced at MAHC includes direct billing for approved services, including ambulance services and eligible medical supplies and equipment. Through this process, MAHC will submit eligible costs directly to the NIHB program.
“Niá:wen (thank you) to the Indigenous community members who have shared their experiences and advocated for this change,” said Cheryl Harrison, MAHC President and CEO. “This milestone took longer than we would have liked to achieve, but through collaboration, guidance, and persistence, we have reached an important step forward. We recognize that building trust takes time, and we remain committed to listening, learning, and working alongside Indigenous communities to improve access to care.”
“I support this initiative and am pleased to see these improvements being implemented. It is encouraging to see progress toward making healthcare services more accessible and reducing the financial burden on eligible First Nations and Inuit patients. The introduction of direct billing through the NIHB program is a positive step forward, and I hope we will continue to see improvements in the accessibility and delivery of healthcare services,” said Chief Philip Franks of the Wahta Mohawk Territory.
This change responds to concerns raised by Indigenous patients, families, and community representatives about the financial and administrative barriers created by the previous process. Community members, supported by the Indigenous Patient Navigator, shared that the absence of direct billing could cause financial hardship, delay access to required services, or leave patients to navigate complicated reimbursement processes while recovering from illness or managing other health concerns.
For eligible patients and families who access NIHB, direct billing means:
- No longer requiring a long wait for reimbursement of services
- Reduced paperwork and administrative steps during or following a hospital visit
- Reduced financial stress when accessing medically necessary care
- More consistency and accessibility
NIHB is the federally administered health coverage program by Indigenous Services Canada for registered First Nations, Métis and recognized Inuit. It covers eligible, medically necessary health services and supplies that are not insured through provincial or territorial health plans or other available coverage. NIHB forms an important part of the health coverage system, including coverage for pharmacy services, dental and vision care, mental health counselling, medical supplies and equipment, and medical transportation.
MAHC recognizes that this milestone is one small step in an ongoing journey toward more equitable, culturally safe, and accessible healthcare. We remain committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and welcome ongoing feedback to help inform future improvements to services and patient experiences.