The Department of Health and Social Services engaged the public for input on proposed changes that would make access to supplementary health benefits more equitable.

Supplementary health benefits in the NWT includes coverage for prescription drugs, eyewear, dental treatment services, medical supplies and equipment, and in some cases medical travel.

The Extended Health Benefits Policy has seen little change in the last 34 years and no longer meets the objectives of fairness and equity as a publicly funded benefit program. An estimated 2,200 NWT residents do not have access to any benefits like the ones available to most residents through employer or government insurance plans. The Department of Health and Social Services is proposing policy changes that will ensure all residents in need of health benefits can get them.