Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was several years ago now, although it seems like just yesterday that the GNWT decided to implement the Supplementary Health Benefits Policy. The intent of the policy dated September 2007, was to provide consistent health benefit coverage for NWT residents who were not covered. But it also proposed to change the GNWT Extended Health Benefits Program to an income-tested model. Not surprisingly, there was considerable consternation, especially among seniors and residents with medical conditions requiring extensive treatment with expensive prescription drugs. There was great debate here in this House. Residents marched to protest on the sidewalks outside the House. There were numerous public meetings and consultations. Things seemed at an impasse.
A Joint Working Group comprised of Regular Members and Cabinet Ministers was formed in July of 2010. After considerable time spent discussing the policy, reviewing options, considering residents’ concerns, the Minister of Health and Social Services of the day tabled the report of the Joint Working Group which contained 11 recommendations.
The 2007 policy was rescinded and work began on some of the Joint Working Group report’s recommended actions. On April 1st of last year, several administrative changes took effect. To mention just a couple, one is residents with access to third-party insurance would be asked to use it first before accessing the Extended Health Benefits Program or the Metis Health Benefits Program. A second one is we now use the same drug list for NWT residents whether they are funded by a federal NIHB Program or the NWT Extended Health Benefits Program.
What is still lacking is coverage for what has become known as the working poor, residents who have no health plan through their employer, who are not a senior over 60, not a Metis, not a status Indian and not on the department’s specified conditions list.
It’s been almost a year now since the initial changes were put into place. The Joint Working Group recommended provision of coverage for this segment of our population, yet there’s been no information to Members since the last update on March 10, 2011. Is the department working to fill this coverage gap, or has that thought quietly slipped away?
We have to provide for all of our residents equally, Mr. Speaker. We’re not doing that now and it’s time for action. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
