Update 16, Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide

How are First Nations children supposed to get coverage for health and medical needs? 

My grandson is facing a tough situation—he will be without medical coverage for 6 to 10 months! 

Just the other day, I was stuck at the dentist's office because his medical coverage was declined. Thankfully, after his cleaning, the dental office discovered he had a credit on his account, so they let us leave without paying. I’m so grateful for that because I don’t have any money to cover unexpected medical expenses. 

Unfortunately, VACFSS cut my grandson’s medical coverage, leaving us in a difficult position. I recently received an order for Section 54.01 on June 28th, but I still haven’t gotten a court order—draft or signed. It usually takes 6 to 10 months to receive a signed order.

For over two years now, VACFSS has failed to obtain my grandson's Indian Status Card, which makes his MSP useless. Without that status card, we can’t access proper medical coverage. 

What frustrates me even more is that no one at VACFSS informed me about the changes in medical coverage. The last thing I heard from Andy was that I should use the VACFSS Blue Cross coverage. But even if I had been informed, how are Aboriginal children supposed to get covered after being returned to their families from the care of a delegated agency?

I happen to be employed full-time, but what about those who don’t work? Why are refugees and immigrants covered while First Nations children are left without support?

I received an email from my social worker that said:

- Medical, dental, and extended health coverage will be the responsibility of the care provider(s).
- If the guardian(s) is eligible for MSP Premium Assistance, the child will qualify for the Healthy Kids Program.
- The guardian(s) may access supports and services from the Ministry or Delegated Aboriginal Agency available to any parent, including services for children and youth with special needs.
- According to the Canada Revenue Agency, the guardian(s) is not eligible for the federal Child Tax Benefit or other benefits while receiving financial support from the Director.

Andy also mentioned he would look into getting the signed court order for me so I can add Angel to my work coverage. For now, he suggested avoiding further trips to the dentist unless absolutely necessary until my work or other coverage kicks in.

This entire situation is disheartening and highlights the barriers First Nations families face. We need to advocate for better support and coverage for our children, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. It’s time for change, and we must work together to remove these obstacles.

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