ʔAkisq̓nuk Health Plan
Health Benifits - FNHA, NIHB & CINUP
Members Living in BC
ʔakisq̓nuk members living in BC can access essential health benefits through the First Nations Health Authority, which is administered by Pacific Blue Cross. This includes various health + wellness programs and medical transportation benefits.
For coverage details, please visit: https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/coverage-details
For assistance, you may contact: Iona Ferguson
Community Relations Representative
604-809-1839 | Iona.Ferguson@fnha.ca
Members Living in Other Provinces
First Nations people living outside of BC can access health benefits through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), which is administered federally and delivered by Express Scripts Canada. This program is crucial for the health and wellness of First Nations communities, covering many medically necessary services not included in provincial plans. These services include dental care, vision care, prescriptions, medical supplies and equipment, and essential medical transportation benefits.
To access NIHB, follow these steps:
1. Identify yourself: Present your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) or proof of registration.
2. Use registered providers: Confirm that your healthcare provider is registered with NIHB to facilitate direct billing.
3. Prior approval: Some services may require prior approval, which your provider will need to submit.
4. Reimbursement: If you pay out of pocket for any services, you can submit claims to Express Scripts Canada for reimbursement.
ʔAkisq̓nuk Member Benefits Plan (CINUP)
ʔAkisq̓nuk members anywhere in Canada can access additional support through the Member Benefits Plan, administered by CINUP, which is designed to enhance health + wellness initiatives. This plan helps cover certain health-related costs that are not included in other benefit plans, including medical transportation benefits.
To take advantage of the Member Benefits Plan:
1. Complete the intake/request form (download available below)
2. Submit to: healthcentre@akisqnuk.org
3. Include supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, quotes, or benefit denials)
Important:
This plan is intended to supplement existing benefits. Members are expected to access available coverage in the following order:
1. Private or employer benefits (if available)
2. First Nations health authority or NIHB
3. ʔAkisq̓nuk Member Benefits Plan (CINUP)
Health Calendar, programs and Services
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Health + Wellness Programs
Mental Wellness and Trauma Recovery
Andrea Sakamoto is available for one-on-one sessions focused on health and wellness. Please contact her directly to schedule an appointment. You can reach her at kootenaykindredco@outlook.com or call 250-961-0993.
For individuals seeking support related to mental health, grief and loss, substance use, and the impacts of residential schools, the KUU-US Crisis Line is available at 1-800-588-8717. They offer specialized assistance through their Youth Line at 250-723-2040 and Adult Line at 250-723-4050. Additionally, for those within the First Nations Health Authority, medical transportation benefits may be available to aid in accessing these vital services.
Clinical Services
Physician Clinic (Dr. Page)
Every other Thursday at the Health Centre, organized by the First Nations health authority. Please call Reception to confirm upcoming clinic dates or to book or cancel an appointment. Remember, you may also be eligible for medical transportation benefits that support your health + wellness needs.
Foot Care Clinic
Monthly at the Health Centre with Jenni Currier, under the First Nations health authority's guidance. Please call Reception to book or cancel your appointments. Don't forget to inquire about medical transportation benefits available for your health and wellness needs.
Massage Therapy
Join us monthly at the Health Centre with Lynn Birkett, where we focus on health and wellness in collaboration with the First Nations health authority. Please call Reception to book or cancel your appointment, and remember to inquire about your medical transportation benefits.
Medical Transportation
ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation administers the Medical Transportation Benefits on behalf of the First Nations Health Authority, providing essential support for eligible members residing in ʔakisq̓nuk. This benefit is designed to enhance health and wellness by facilitating access to medically necessary health services, which may cover transportation costs and, when appropriate, meals and accommodation.
For members living in ʔakisq̓nuk, please contact Health Centre Reception to request assistance with medical transportation support. Our dedicated team will coordinate travel following FNHA guidelines to ensure you receive the help you need.
For members residing elsewhere in BC, all Status First Nations individuals throughout the province are eligible for medical transportation benefits through the FNHA. If you do not reside in ʔakisq̓nuk, we encourage you to reach out to the FNHA Health Benefits team directly to access this vital support.
You can contact them at:
1-855-550-5454
Community Transportation Support
In addition to the FNHA medical transportation benefits provided by the First Nations health authority, ʔakisq̓nuk offers a local Community Driver program to assist members in accessing health + wellness services by getting to appointments.
All ride requests are coordinated through Health Centre Reception (central intake), where requests are matched with available Community Drivers. While we strive to accommodate all requests, please note that driver availability is not guaranteed.
To request transportation, please contact Health Centre Reception.
System Navigation
The Aboriginal Care Navigator (ACN) with the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society assists ʔAkisq̓nuk members in accessing and navigating health services, including those offered by the First Nations health authority. The support provided encompasses various aspects of health + wellness, such as:
- Advocacy and support within the healthcare system
- Coordination of care and services
- Assistance in identifying needs and accessing resources, including medical transportation benefits.
Samantha Sam
Aboriginal Care Navigator – ʔakisq̓nuk/Invermere Area
250-342-1135 | ssam@ktunaxa.org
Other Programs & Supports
In addition to the services mentioned, the Health & Wellness team, supported by the First Nations health authority, offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including:
- Community wellness programming (e.g., Wiyu Wednesday, drop-in spaces)
- Food sovereignty initiatives (e.g., freezer meals, community garden)
- Elder and home support services
- Child, youth, and family programming
- Harm reduction and outreach supports
- Workshops, groups, and community events
For more information on current programs or to get involved, including details about health + wellness offerings and medical transportation benefits, please check our Facebook page, the Newsletter, or contact Health Centre Reception.
emergency contact numbers
Extreme Cold Information
