Federal health benefits program for First Nations and Inuit ‘frustrating’ to deal with, say clients – CBC

Jan 21, 2026

Clients say barriers ‘really prevent us from being able to utilize and access the services’

Joy SpearChief-Morris is the recipient of the 2025 CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship, established to encourage Indigenous voices and better understanding of Indigenous issues in Canada’s major media and community outlets.

When it comes to paying for her mother’s medical supplies, Patricia McCartney has had two options: months of paperwork through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program or giving up and paying out of pocket.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/nihb-health-benefits-supplies-9.7016282