Gas prices across British Columbia continue to rise. These increases may impact some clients' abilities to access medically-necessary appointments when using their private vehicles.
First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) is extending and increasing the temporary mileage reimbursement for the Medical Transportation (MT) benefit to support clients during these exceptional times.
On March 14, 2022, FNHA announced a $0.05/km increase to MT mileage reimbursement rates. Effective May 16, 2022, the MT mileage rate will increase by an additional $0.04/km to $0.32/km. This change will be in effect until August 31, 2022. The increase will also apply to the special mileage rate applicable to certain remote communities. Please see below table for the different rates and their effective dates:
Medical Transportation Mileage Reimbursement Rates
| Rate | Normal Rate (Prior to March 1, 2022) | Temporary Rate (Effective March 1 to May 15, 2022) | Temporary Rate (Effective May 16 to August 31, 2022) |
Standard MT Mileage Rate (Applies to most communities) | $0.23 / km | $0.28 / km | $0.32 / km |
Special MT Mileage Rate for Remote Communities (Applies to specific communities as identified in their Funding Agreement) | $0.29 / km | $0.34 / km | $0.38 / km |
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is committed to delivering responsive programs and services to support First Nations people in their health and wellness journeys.
The FNHA will continue to monitor regional and provincial gas prices and may make further adjustments in response to this rapidly-changing situation.
Information for Communities with Funding Agreements
The FNHA will ensure that all communities delivering MT locally through a Funding Agreement receive additional funding necessary to support the increased mileage rate. FNHB will follow up separately with agreement holders regarding the increase.
About Medical Transportation
The MT benefit provides supplemental coverage of transportation, accommodation and meals to assist clients who need to access medically-necessary health services that are not available in their communities of residence. Learn more about MT and other health benefits.
For additional information or support, please contact FNHB at 1.855.550.5454 or healthbenefits@fnha.ca.
