Medical Transportation Program
Funded by: First Nations Health Authority
Telephone: 1-888-624-5504
The Prince Rupert Aboriginal Community Services Society administers the First Nations Health Authority (previously Non-Insured Health Benefits) Medical Transportation Policy Framework (MTPF) on behalf of the FNHA. Currently, our Patient Travel program serves over 2000 clients throughout North-Western British Columbia.
The information in this section of our website is intended to clarify our role in the delivery of funding for medical transportation to our clients.
Funding for Medical Transportation is for required health services that are not provided on reserve or in the community of residence. The types of benefits that are funded, and the criteria under which they are funded, are set out in national and provincial policies. As program administrator, we are accountable to the First Nations Health Authority.
The role of our patient travel clerks is to administer the funds and coordinate medical travel for our eligible clients. Their aim is to ensure that our clients receive the benefits to which they are entitled, as defined under the MTPF.
Where a client’s claims for funding do not meet the funders’ requirements, our staff must deny those claims. If, as our client, you are denied coverage to which you feel you are entitled, you may appeal to the First Nations Health Authority for a review of your claim.
Changes to Approved Escort Policy
In recent years, the policy criteria for funding patient escorts has changed. For example, the use of an escort must now be pre-authorized and certain benefits will now only be considered under exceptional circumstances. It is essential that you understand what the approved escort policy covers, so that you do not inadvertantly trigger costs that are not eligible. Our patient travel clerks will be pleased to provide clarification of the program requirements and answer your questions.
Escort/Client Responsibility
We have assembled this information in an effort to help ensure that your medical travel goes as smoothly as possible. This checklist addresses the issues most frequently asked about. For full details, you may visit the First Nations Health Authority (previously Non-Insured Health Benefits) Transportation Framework. We will also be please to answer your questions and provide assistance and invite you to contact us.
Client Travel Responsibilities
- Give at least 5 (five) day’s notice (or as per community’s policy) prior to leaving the community. Upon receipt of the notice, the proper transportation arrangements can be made. NOTE: Clients who do not provide sufficient notice may be require to reschedule their appointment or pay for the travel and get reimbursed.
- Obtain all of the necessary paperwork for their trip prior to leaving the community: i.e. referral from your doctor (GP), confirmation of appointment with specialist.
- Get prior approval for all non-emergency trips. The only exception is the case of medical emergency.
- Attend your medical appointment as scheduled. Clients who do no attend medical appointments may be required to pay back any benefits they have received and/or pay for travel costs for subsequent medical travel.
- Get a signed confirmation of attendance from the health professional and return it to the Patient Travel Clerk/Coordinator after the medical appointment.
- Protect all of the original warrants issued to them for your medical trip. Warrants will not be reissued if lost or stolen.
- Give notification when canceling an appointment prior to the date of the appointment; including 24 hours notice to cancel any hotel arrangements.
- Retain and submit all necessary receipts required.
- Do not damage property or abuse accommodation arrangements, such as excessive nois.
- Do not become verbally abusive or threatening to the Patient Transport Clerk/Coordinator.
Clients may be required to pay for their own travel arrangements and submit a client reimbursement form with appropriate documentation, or may have charges deducted off their next travel arrangements in such cases as:
- Client is verbally or physically abusive.
- Client fails to provide the required medical documentation (referral or confirmation of attendance) or receipts.
- Client is no longer accepted in commercial establishments or on commerical transportation because of inappropriate behaviour or intoxication.
- Client does not make it to their scheduled appointment.
- When First Nations Health Authority or First Nation organization is charged for damages, bill for keys or no shows.