What is NIHB and am I eligible for orthotic coverage?

NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) is a federal program providing health benefits to First Nations and Inuit registered under the Indian Act. If you have a valid Certificate of Indian Status or are recognized as Inuit by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations, you may be eligible for NIHB orthotic coverage with a physician prescription and prior approval.

Do you direct bill NIHB?

Yes, Foot Forward Orthotics & Pedorthics is a NIHB authorized provider and offers direct billing for eligible clients. You will need prior approval from NIHB, a valid prescription from your physician, and your Certificate of Indian Status to access direct billing services.

What documentation do I need for NIHB orthotic coverage?

For NIHB orthotic coverage, you will need: 1) A valid Certificate of Indian Status or Inuit recognition, 2) A prescription from your physician specifying the medical need for custom orthotics, 3) Prior approval from NIHB before the assessment. Contact us at (780) 293-5114 and we can help you navigate the NIHB approval process.

How do I get prior approval from NIHB for orthotics?

Prior approval from NIHB is required before your orthotic assessment. Your physician will need to submit a Medical Transportation Request form to NIHB indicating the medical necessity for custom orthotics. We can provide guidance on this process and assist with the required documentation. Contact us at (780) 293-5114 for support.

NIHB Custom Orthotics in South Edmonton | Authorized Provider for First Nations & Inuit Clients

Authorized NIHB provider serving Alberta’s Indigenous communities. Custom foot orthotics coverage available when approved. Direct billing availabe for little to no out of pocket expense.

NIHB provider in Edmonton

Supporting Eligible First Nations & Inuit Clients with Professional Foot Care

As an authorized NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) provider in South Edmonton, we provide custom foot orthotics when prior approval is obtained from Health Canada.

Who qualifies for NIHB orthotics:

Registered First Nations (Status Indians) under the Indian Act
Inuit recognized by an Inuit Land Claim organization
Must have valid prescription from physician or nurse practitioner
Medical necessity must be documented

What’s covered:

One pair of custom foot orthotics every 2 years
Comprehensive Pedorthic assessment
3D scanning of feet
Custom made orthotics (EVA or 3D-printed)

No upfront cost: When pre approval is confirmed, we direct bill a portion of the cost to NIHB.

Here's how it works...

Step 01

Verify NIHB Eligibility

Before booking, contact us at (780) 293-5114 to verify your NIHB eligibility. We’ll need your Status card number or Inuit beneficiary number. We handle all communication with Health Canada NIHB on your behalf.

Step 02

Obtain Your Prescription

A valid prescription for custom orthotics is required, indicating your diagnosed foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy. This is mandatory for NIHB funding. Prescription must be obtained from a family doctor (GP).

Step 03

Book Your Assessment

Once approval is confirmed, schedule your appointment at our South Edmonton clinic. Your assessment includes a biomechanical analysis, custom foam casting or 3D scanning, and treatment plan discussion. Your orthotics are ready in two weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pedorthist?

A Canadian Certified Pedorthist (C. Ped (C)) is a regulated healthcare professional specializing in the assessment, design, fabrication, and fitting of custom foot orthotics and therapeutic footwear. At Foot Forward Orthotics & Pedorthics in South Edmonton, our certified Pedorthist helps clients manage foot and lower limb conditions including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, diabetic foot complications, knee pain, and lower back issues. Pedorthists complete rigorous education in biomechanics, orthotic design, and lower limb anatomy to provide evidencebased foot care solutions for Edmonton residents.

What's the difference between a Pedorthist and Podiatrist?

In Edmonton, both Pedorthists and Podiatrists help with foot care, but in different ways. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist (C. Ped (C)) specializes in custom foot orthotics, custom footwear, and bracing to improve mobility and relieve pain through non-invasive treatments. A Podiatrist (DPM) is a medical foot doctor who diagnoses conditions, prescribes medications, and performs minor foot surgery.

Am I eligible for benefits through NIHB?

NIHB custom orthotics coverage is available to registered First Nations (Status Indians under the Indian Act) and Inuit recognized by an Inuit Land Claim organization. To qualify, you must have a valid prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner indicating medical necessity for custom orthotics. Common qualifying conditions include plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, flat feet, arthritis, heel pain, and other foot or lower limb conditions affecting mobility and daily function. Not all clients will be eligible, we must obtain prior approval from Health Canada NIHB before proceeding.

Do I need a prescription?

Yes, a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner is mandatory to receive NIHB benefits for custom orthotics. Your prescription must include your diagnosed foot condition, and medical justification for custom orthotics. This prescription is required for NIHB funding.

Do I have to pay anything?

This varies. NIHB is a payer of last resort. If you have private insurance coverage, you must utilize that first before proceeding with NIHB funding. If you do not have additional funding options, NIHB will cover the cost of custom foot orthotics.

How many pairs can I get?

NIHB covers one pair of custom foot orthotics every two years (24 months) for eligible clients. Coverage resets every 24 months from the date of your last NIHB approval.