SAC recently contacted the Federal Healthcare Partnership (FHP) to inquire about and advocate for the provision of audiology services by telepractice. The FHP includes Veterans Affairs Canada, the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces (Department of National Defense), Medavie Blue Cross and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB- Indigenous Services Canada). The First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia (BC) is also included.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and in support of recommended social distancing measures, VAC, CAF and RCMP will accept claims for telehealth/virtual health services in lieu of on-site/in person services. Telehealth/Virtual services offered during this period must be deemed appropriate and necessary by the health professional / service provider, and must be recognized and considered within scope of practice by the applicable professional associations and governing bodies.  All services provided must continue to be in accordance with the relevant policies, guidelines and benefit grid rules. https://www.sac-oac.ca/sac-work/third-party-payers

NIHB’s latest bulletins and newsletters, including information on COVID-19 are available here. Past NIHB newsletters and bulletins are available here.

A recent update from BC’s First Nations Health Authority can be viewed here.