In early May, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced the creation of a new extended health benefits program. The program is set to begin on September 3, 2024, and is currently accepting applications.
To apply, residents must have a valid NWT Health Care Card and have filed an income tax return for 2023 or provided an alternate proof of income as per Section 4 of the Extended Health Benefits Application.
The newly introduced program includes revised income thresholds and cost-sharing arrangements. These changes are intended to expand access to healthcare benefits while ensuring the responsible use of public funds. The low-income thresholds for each region are as follows: – Tłı̨chÇ«: $30,605 – South Slave: $30,622 – Yellowknife: $31,134 – Dehcho: $32,327 – Beaufort Delta: $37,153 – Sahtu: $37,628
The GNWT is adjusting the cost-sharing for specific income brackets in order to lessen the impact of the program changes on residents during the first year. More information regarding this will be released soon.
The policy changes in the Extended Health Benefits Program will not affect seniors aged 60 and over, as their current benefits will remain the same. Similarly, there won’t be any changes for residents receiving Métis and non-insured health benefits. Eligible individuals in each area will receive various benefits at no cost.
Those with higher incomes will qualify for prescription drug coverage and medical supplies and equipment benefits but will need to cover some of the costs themselves. An Extended Health Benefits Calculator has been introduced to help residents understand their coverage and estimate any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Clients enrolled in the Extended Health Benefits for Specified Conditions Program must reapply by July 31, 2024. Failing to reapply by this date may result in a disruption in their coverage, which means they may not be able to access the benefits they are currently receiving. However, seniors enrolled in the Extended Health Benefits for Seniors Program do not need to reapply, as their benefits will automatically continue without interruption.
