Drugs and pharmacy benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Find information about coverage for prescription drugs and over-the-counter products under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
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About drugs and pharmacy benefits
The program covers prescription drugs and select over-the-counter products that are:
- included on the NIHB Drug Benefit List, including benefits that are:
- open, which do not require prior approval
- limited use, which may be eligible for coverage if the criteria for coverage are met
- prescribed or recommended by a licensed health professional, within their scope of practice
Exception products are not listed in the drug benefit list but may be approved in special circumstances.
The program provides eligible clients with coverage for benefits not otherwise available under federal, provincial, territorial or private health insurance.
Drug Benefit List
The Drug Benefit List is a listing of the drugs provided as a benefit by the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. The listed drugs are those primarily used in a home or ambulatory setting.
The Drug Benefit List is available on the Express Scripts Canada NIHB provider and client website. Express Scripts Canada provides claims processing and related services under contract to Indigenous Services Canada.
A downloadable and print ready version of the Drug Benefit List is also available at the Drug Benefit List site (select "Download Drug Benefit List" and click on the link of the PDF version of the list).
How to access drugs and pharmacy benefits
You can access the drugs and pharmacy benefits from a licensed pharmacy.
A prescription from a licensed prescriber is required for any listed prescription drugs to be processed as a benefit. Prescribers are those people authorized to prescribe drugs within the scope of practice in their province or territory. NIHB also accepts client-specific written recommendations for listed over-the-counter products from licensed health professionals, when it falls within their scope of practice.
Providers who are enrolled in the program generally send in claims to bill the program directly. This means you do not have to pay a deductible or co-payment. You will need to show client identification in order for providers to bill the program directly.
Express Scripts Canada administers claims on behalf of the program.