Your NWT health care card will be getting a new look in the near future.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) says it’s moving towards a more consistent look for its programs and services, and that health cards will show the new ‘visual elements’ of the GNWT.
In a statement, health minister Glen Abernethy said it’s an opportune time to make the change since most residents’ health cards are set to expire on their birthdays this year.
The new cards will not change your health coverage in any way.
Residents will receive a reminder to renew their card three months prior to it expiring. You can also check the expiry date on the bottom right hand corner of your current card.
Nick Saturnino, director of health services administration with the department of health, says the decision to change the cards came down to timing.
“We had to replenish our current health care card stock last summer,” he said. “We’re going to be renewing approximately 35,000 health care cards in 2016.
Read: Frequently Asked Questions About Renewal (pdf)
“It was decided, because of the new visual identity policy of the Government of the Northwest Territories, that we should update the health care card.
“As of today, I think we only have about 1,500 of the old cards in stock and then we’ll be issuing the new cards.”
Abernethy added: “Our goal is to make sure residents renew their health care cards before they expire so that their coverage is not interrupted.
“Please remind your friends and family to check the expiry date on their health care cards.”
Other jurisdictions in Canada have been notified of the territory’s new health cards. Existing cards are expected to be phased out by 2019.
