Northwest Territories

PROVINCIAL/ TERRITORIAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Medical Insurance

NWT Health Care Plan

Hospital Insurance

under NWT Health Care Plan

Prescription Drug Insurance

Extended Health Benefits (EHB) for Seniors
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) (Health Canada)
Métis Health Benefits (MHB)

HEALTH PREMIUMS/TAXES

Health Insurance Premiums/Employer Tax

No premiums or employer tax

Additional Premiums

Not applicable

WHEN COVERAGE BEGINS

If move is from within Canada

Coverage on the first day of the third month after arrival in the NWT

If move is from outside Canada

Coverage on the date of arrival in the NWT

HOW LONG COVERAGE CONTINUES

Moving within Canada

Balance of the month in which you leave NWT plus two consecutive months

Moving Outside Canada

Date of departure

Short Absences

Coverage is maintained during an absence of up to 183 days in any 12 month period if NWT remains the permanent and principal home

OUT OF PROVINCE / COUNTRY COVERAGE

Out-of-province

Most doctor visits (except in Quebec) and hospital care for medically necessary services;
Travel must originate in the NWT in order to be eligible for medical travel benefits;
Claims paid at the standard rates of the province/territory where services were obtained.

Cost of emergency in-patient / out-patient hospital while outside of Canada

Medically necessary physician services provided by licensed physicians outside Canada, with limitations;
Medically necessary services received outside Canada are reimbursed at NWT rates;
May be required to pay for the full cost of out-patient services received up front;
Patient responsible for any additional costs.

WHAT IS COVERED

Physician Services

Medically required services associated with physician and diagnostic services and hospital in-and-out patient care, such as:

• Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury
• Surgery, including anaesthetic services and surgical assistance where necessary
• Obstetrical care, including prenatal and postnatal care
• Eye examinations, treatment and operations provided by an ophthalmologist

Eye Examinations

Some residents may have health coverage through:

• Extended Health Benefits (EHB) for Seniors
• Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) (Health Canada)
• Metis Health Benefits (MHB)

Dental

Specific procedures related to jaw injury or disease

Hospital

Standard ward hospitalization in an approved hospital and in-patient services such as:

• Nursing services, when provided by the hospital
• Laboratory, x-ray and diagnostic procedures, and interpretation
• Drugs prescribed by a physician and administered in the hospital
• Use of the operating room, case room, and anaesthetic facilities required for diagnosis and treatment, including necessary equipment and supplies
• Radiotherapy treatment
• Occupational therapy, and physiotherapy
• Detoxification services in an approved health facility

PARAMEDICAL SERVICES

Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapy services provided at a hospital, on an inpatient or outpatient basis within Canada

Chiropractic Care

Not covered

Osteopath

Not covered

Chiropodist/podiatrist

Not covered

Drug

Alberta Blue Cross administers the following programs on behalf of the Government of the NWT:

• Métis Health Benefits
• Prescription Drug and Dental Benefits for Seniors
• Prescription Drug Benefits for Specified Medical Conditions

Prescription Drug Benefits for Seniors:

• Program provides up to 100% coverage for eligible prescription drug products in the NWT Drug Listing, when the drug is prescribed by a health care professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist

Ambulance

Coverage for inter-facility transfers