FNIHB-Ontario Coverage of Chiropractic Care for First Nations

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) – Ontario Region of Health Canada has provided clarification as to coverage of chiropractic services to First Nations people since the Province of Ontario eliminated OHIP funding for chiropractic services on December 1, 2004.

According to FNIHB:  

• Coverage will continue to be available to a maximum of $150 per year, with the patient responsible for any charges once this maximum has been reached; 
• The patient will be responsible for a co-payment on each visit ($11.75 for initial visits and $9.65 for subsequent visits), with FNIHB paying the remainder of the fee for the visit, subject to the maximum of $150 per year. (Editor’s note: Therefore, if your office bills at $29.65 for a subsequent visit the patient pays $9.65 and Health Canada pays $20.00.); 
• To access funding, the provider must submit a physician or nurse practitioner referral (original) accompanied by the number of sessions, rate per session and Health Canada share. Funding is available on the date the physician/nurse practitioner referral is made.  

The OCA has been working extensively with the First Nations community to reverse these inappropriate provisions. As well, we have contacted Health Canada directly and are working cooperatively with the CCA to impress on government that these decisions are very bad for patient care and will result in significant additional costs to the health care system.

Contact Information:

Health Canada
First Nations & Inuit Health Branch
1547 Merivale Rd, 3rd floor
Address Locator 6103A
Nepean ON K1A 0L3
613-952-0145