Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Your Eye Exam.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is a federal program funded by Health Canada that provides health benefits coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals who are not covered by private or provincial or territorial health insurance programs
In Alberta, the program provides coverage for a wide range of health services and products, including prescription medications, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counseling, and more.
Who:
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides coverage for eye exams and prescription glasses for eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals in Alberta. Vision care benefits are commonly administered by third party health claim providers such as:
Bigstone Health Benefits
Nahapin
Express Scripts
How do I use my NIHB coverage at the Eye Doctor?
The first step to book your eye exam with NIHB coverage is easy. You can either book your appointment online through our website, selecting the day and time that would suit you best and indicating NIHB as your active coverage in the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you are welcome to call our office directly at 780.628.6855 and a team member will gladly assist you with finding a convenient time for your eye exam.
When you arrive to use your NIHB coverage at Helio Optometry, you simply need to bring your active NIHB card and government-issued photo identification to your appointment. Our team will handle everything else.
To confirm active coverage, our clinic needs to submit a pre-authorization. We take care of this step for you but may need to contact you before your scheduled appointment to ensure active coverage and a smooth check-in process.
Aperture Eyewear at Helio Optometry.
What is covered?
Eye Exams:
Eye exams are important, and with NIHB coverage, you can get them for no cost! NIHB will cover the complete cost of an eye examination every 2 years (24 months). Children under 18 years old or younger can get a comprehensive eye examination every year.
At Helio Optometry, we want to make sure you have a great experience during your eye exam. We use all the latest tools and equipment, including our Optomap Ultra-Widefield retinal camera.
If you have a vision or eye health concern, don't worry, because Alberta Health and Wellness provides coverage for any medically necessary visit to the optometrist. Our team is always ready to help with any eye urgencies or emergencies that may come up unexpectedly. We always leave room in our schedule to see these emergency appointments the same day. Accessible eye care is one of our core values.
Prescription Glasses:
NIHB has got you covered for glasses! Every 2 years, NIHB will pay for a complete pair of prescription glasses for eligible First Nations and Inuit patients. If you're under 18, you may be eligible to get a new pair of glasses every year.
At Helio Optometry, we want you to have glasses that not only give you great vision but also look great on you. All of the prescription eyewear covered by NIHB includes an upgrade to anti-reflective coating for no extra charge. We have many different styles to choose from so you don't have to feel limited. Our goal is to get you seeing, looking and feeling your best. Our Aperture collection contains over 150+ frames in store. Learn more about the aperture collection at Helio Optometry here.
If you need bifocal or trifocal lenses, we also offer a free upgrade to our Aperture no-line progressive lenses. These lenses help you see clearly both up close and far away. So come visit us, bring your NIHB card, and let us help you find the perfect glasses!
We understand things happen and your brand new eyewear may break or become damaged. We have comprehensive warranty programs as well as eyecare professionals that are experts at repairs. These are included with every set of eyewear we provide to our patients.
Contact Lenses:
Contact lenses are a convenient and comfortable way to get you seeing your best without the need for glasses. NIHB unfortunately does not provide coverage for contact lenses in all cases. Your prescription must meet a specific set of conditions for additional contact lenses coverage. Your optometrist at Helio Optometry will be able to tell you if you may be eligible for contact lenses upon completing your eye examination.
Astigmatism of at least 3.00 diopters in at least one eye in the glasses prescription
Myopia or hyperopia of at least 7.00 diopters in the spherical component in at least one eye in the glasses prescription
Anisometropia of at least 2.00 diopters.
Wearing contacts requires you to routinely clean, care and disinfect the lenses. Unfortunately, NIHB does not cover the cost of contact lens care products and solutions. To get your contact lenses covered, we are required to verify that they are necessary under the program guidelines with NIHB program administrators. This requires some paper work and a few extra steps.
Even if you are eligible, you may not get your contact lenses at the time of your examination.
Contact lenses cannot be worn continuously. To prevent infections and maintain good eye hygiene, contacts must be removed for sleeping and in other instances. NIHB may additionally provide coverage for a back up set of glasses for clients that obtain contact lenses.
Is it time to schedule your next eye exam?
