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​Health Benefits has expanded infant eligibility to 24 months. This gives families more time to apply to Indigenous Services Canada for status numbers for their children. Children up to 24 months of age (two years old) can now access their benefits using an eligible parent or guardian's status number. Read m​ore​​.​​

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​​​In order to be eligible for Health Benefits, individuals must be:







• A registered “Indian” as defined by the Indian Act, or the infant of an eligible parent; and • A resident of British Columbia.









Residents of British Columbia are people who:







• Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, • Make their home in BC, and • Are physically present in BC at least six months in a calendar year.





Individuals are not eligible for Health Benefits if they are already covered by another third-party health insurance provided by the Federal Government or by a First Nations organization as part of a funding agreement.



Enrollment

Enrollment with Health Benefits is not automatic. Individuals who are eligible for Health Benefits should enroll in the program to access their various benefits. Confirming enrollment is especially important for individuals who have recently:







• Moved to BC; • Turned 19; • Married or divorced; or • Had an employer pay MSP premiums on their behalf.





Clients who would like to confirm whether they are enrolled, or who need to register with Health Benefits for the first time, should have their status number ready and call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.







Clients who need to register with Health Benefits for the first time may need the Enrollment Application for Group Benefits form​

Infant Enrollment



​First Nations infants up to 24 months are eligible for Health Benefits, as long as at least one parent meets the Health Benefits eligibility criteria. After 24 months, the infant will no longer be covered under the eligible parent and will need to be registered with Health Benefits under their own status number.





​To register an infant for Health Benefits under their own account clients must:



