Vancouver Island Health Directors dialogue on Health Benefits plan design, November 26th, 2014
First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) program redesign was a key area of focus during the fall 2014 round of Regional caucus sessions.
As FNHB is a large and complex program, it was transferred to the FNHA in stages. The transition of the FNHB program began July 2nd, 2013 as part of the first phase of transfer from Health Canada to the FNHA. On October 1st 2013, additional components of the program were transferred; vision, mental health and patient travel. In order to complete the final transition of the FNHB program, the FNHA needs to design a new framework to administer Pharmacy, Dental, Medical Supplies and Equipment benefit areas. A focus of this redesign is to transform these areas to be wellness focused.
The First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) team has investigated health benefit plan designs, and examined the existing plan to identify new approaches and demonstrate how these options might work for the FNHA. These options were recently shared with Chiefs and Health Directors at five regional caucus sessions which occurred in October and November, 2014. Read the powerpoint here to learn more.
Key points of the new design options include:
• Health Spending Account: an annual amount available to each FNHA Client over and above regular health benefits, to provide the ability to invest in health and wellness beyond what regular health benefits provide.
• Case Management: the coordination of services in delivering health care, ensuring people have access to the care and resources they need to achieve optimal health while balancing the use of resources and a patient’s right to self-determination.
Discussion was thoughtful and passionate! Key themes emerging in response to the plan design included:
• Allow for health prevention and wellness, the inclusion of First Nations (Traditional) Healers, provide coverage relative to need, allow for flexibility among families and communities
• Establish and strengthen community and regional knowledge and capacity following existing best practices, support rural and remote access while providing extended hours of access
In January 2015 the FNHB team will extend engagement by reaching out to community groups and individual clients around the province, to present our findings and seek further feedback and direction.
Our team will refine the proposed Health Benefit Plan options, built upon the feedback and direction received through community engagement, to be presented at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey VII in May 2015.
If you or someone you know is approached to take part, we hope you will take the opportunity to provide your thoughts and share your experiences.