What Is NIHB?

The Nunavik Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides essential health services to Inuit beneficiaries across the region, ensuring access to medical care and support not covered by other health plans. The program offers a broad range of benefits, including medical transportation, dental and vision care, medication, mental health counselling, and medical equipment, all aimed at supporting the well-being of Nunavimmiut.

Initiated by the CBJNQ, the NIHB program is a publicly funded initiative designed to provide coverage for health services that go beyond standard provincial or territorial health plans. The program supports Nunavik beneficiaries, whether they reside on or off the territory, ensuring that they receive comprehensive health support under specific admissibility criteria.

Exciting Changes and New Policies

NIHB Nunavik continuously strives to enhance its service offering, making healthcare more accessible and effective for the community. Recent developments include two important policies:

1. Regional Mental Health Counselling Benefits Policy:
   • This new policy is designed to enhance mental health services by allowing beneficiaries to access professional counselling directly, without requiring medical referrals.
   • It covers various types of counselling, such as individual, family, and group sessions, both in-person and via telehealth, providing flexible and inclusive options for our community members.
   • It’s important to check your eligibility with us before starting any sessions.
2. Medical Transportation Policy:
   • The NIHB program now extends coverage for ground ambulance services outside of Nunavik, ensuring beneficiaries receive emergency transportation when needed.
   • This policy fills the gap in situations where other programs (like SAAQ or CNESST) or private insurance plans may not provide coverage.
   • This policy covers transportation both within the region and to destinations in the south. It also governs all aspects related to transit (Puvirnituq-Kuujjuaq-Ullivik) and outlines the benefits to which Inuit beneficiaries are entitled when travelling for health-related reasons.
   These improvements reflect NIHB Nunavik’s commitment to promoting mental well-being and ensuring safe and accessible healthcare services for all Nunavimmiut.

Launching Our Communication Campaign – March 2025

To ensure all Nunavimmiut are informed and able to access these benefits, the NIHB program is launching a comprehensive communication campaign in March 2025. The campaign’s main goals are to increase awareness of the program and to encourage engagement from both beneficiaries and healthcare professionals across the region. Here’s what you can expect from our campaign:

• Website Updates and Social Media Outreach: We’re enhancing our online presence by developing a dedicated section on the NRBHSS website, where visitors can easily access information about NIHB services, eligibility criteria, and request forms. Additionally, a targeted social media campaign will run on platforms such as Facebook to share program information directly with beneficiaries and service providers.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: We will be conducting outreach activities, including community tours and in-person exchanges with local leaders, beneficiaries, and health professionals. This face-to-face approach is essential for fostering strong connections, gathering feedback, and ensuring that the program meets the needs of Nunavimmiut.
• Partnership with Local Media: To reach a wider audience, the campaign will also include paid advertisements
in regional publications like Nunatsiaq and Canadian North magazines, as well as radio segments on TNI Radio and local FM stations.
• Printed Materials and Visuals: NIHB will distribute informative pamphlets, posters, and calendars across public locations like co-ops, youth houses, airports, and health centers, ensuring beneficiaries have the information they need at their fingertips.

For More Information

Visit the NIHB Nunavik section on the NRBHSS website (https://nrbhss.ca/) to learn more about the Regional Mental Health Counselling Benefits Policy, the Medical Transportation Policy, and all services available to beneficiaries.

Contact us directly:
Email: ssna.rrsssn@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Phone: 1-844-442-6442 (NIHB)