b"HEALTH INSURANCEUNRAVELLINGINSURANCE BENEFITSBy Andrew SnookI n d i g e n o u s e m p l o y e r s a n d i n d i v i d u a l s a r e o ft e n m i s s i n g o u t o n t h e f u l l r a n g e o f b e n e f i t s a v a i l a b l e t o t h e m . W h a t t h e y n e e d t o k n o wM anylo IndigenousToronto-based Maximus Rose is anMaximus Rose, and Sarah Toulouse-communitiesandinsurance specialist in this area. TheOLeary, account manager and First emp yershavecompany crafts culturally informedNations advisor based out of Sagamok accesstoexcellentinsurancepackagesspecificallyand Wiikwemkoong First Nations.healthbenefitsdesigned for the unique needs of programs. But thats not to say theyIndigenous businesses and commu- CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE BENEFITS are all aware of the full range ofnities. In 2022, it also partnered withOF HAVING A PRIVATE INSURANCE benefits available to them. Indigenous Workplace Wellness (IWW)PLAN IN ADDITION TO THEto rethink how living benefits areNON-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS According to the experts at Maximusadministered. (NIHB) PROGRAM FOR INUIT AND Rose Living Benefits Inc., IndigenousFIRST NATIONS? businesses are often missing outJust what does this involve? And whereCHRIS SANDERSON: When it comes onmaximizingtheircoverage.does coverage with the governmentsto the NIHB, which is the govern-EmployersandindividualsareNon-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)ment plan for the Indigenous status not always aware of the range ofprogram fit in? individuals, the coverage from the benefits available to them, or thegovernment is very basic in terms of potential benefits packages theyTo learn more, Indigenous Businessprescription drug coverage. When can have customized to meet theirReport spoke with Chris Sanderson,it gets into chronic disease medica-special needs. vicepresidentofoperationsattions, sometimes the NIHB won't 46A CCIB PUBLICATIONSpring 2025"