MEDICATION COVERAGE
The Cree Non-Insured Health Benefits (Cree NIHB) program provides eligible Cree and Inuit beneficiaries with coverage for a wide range of prescription medications.
What is covered?
The Cree NIHB Medication Policy follows an "either/or" principle: eligible individuals receive the most beneficial coverage available between the provincial programs (RAMQ/MSSS) and the federal program (NIHB). Each program has its own list of approved medications, including some that may be covered under set criteria.
What is the exception process?
Some medications may be considered under exceptional circumstances even if they are not automatically covered. In these cases, requests are carefully reviewed using multiple factors, including recommendations from the INESSS (Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux), patient safety, risks and benefits of the treatment, and the strength of available scientific evidence. Other key considerations include ethical considerations, process transparency and equity.
What is not covered?
The program does not cover items that are not classified as medications, including cosmetic products or lifestyle-related items. In addition, any medication that has been reviewed and does not meet the program’s established policies, clinical guidelines, or eligibility criteria will not be approved for coverage.
For questions about this process or to submit a claim for medications purchased outside Region 18, please contact: 18_TCR_CNIHB@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
The CBHSSJB is a public health institution that independently manages medication coverage for Cree-NIHB beneficiaries, who are not registered under the RAMQ Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan nor the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB/SSNA) Program.
The Cree NIHB Medication Policy ensures that patients receive the most advantageous coverage—whether through the provincial formulary or the federal formulary—with no out-of-pocket costs. To maintain strict confidentiality, patient support or “compassionate” programs must not be involved in the medication coverage process.
For more details, please consult the Cree NIHB Policy and the Accompanying Letter.
The Cree NIHB program follows its own process and clinical review for Exceptional Access Medication coverage. For more information, please refer to the Request Form.
If you have questions regarding medication coverage or need to submit a request, you can contact us at: 18TCR.Medication.CNIHB@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
