Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Members and the public for their interest in the Supplementary Health Benefits Program and Catastrophic Drug Costs Program. Mr. Speaker, since the details of the changes were announced last December, we have received numerous calls and questions regarding the programs. Comments were at times supportive of the direction we are taking with this new program, as a number of people will benefit from this new program.
The principle of providing benefits to those most vulnerable and who have no coverage has been well received. The implementation of a Catastrophic Drug Costs Program has also been widely praised and will ensure that no Northerner has to bear the full burden of catastrophic expenses of prescription drugs.
However, during the implementation of the new program, gaps were identified. These gaps may create undue hardship for some Northerners who still need assistance with their medical costs. To ensure that the program meets the intent of this policy, the program design will be reviewed. As a result, we have postponed the implementation of the new program until September 1, 2009. This will provide the time needed to respond to the gaps and engage stakeholders in making the changes. We will do this by holding public meetings with stakeholders and the general public.
Let me be clear; the objectives of this policy are sound and will be respected.
The GNWT is committed to providing supplementary health benefits to eligible residents and families who do not have access to another supplementary health benefits plan.
The GNWT believes that:
Government should make the best possible use of program resources by making a contribution towards a portion of the costs of certain supplementary health services and costs of drugs for eligible persons, recognizing that a limited budget means even eligible persons will likely have to assume some personal responsibility and incur some supplementary health costs.
Territorial supplementary health benefits program should respect the Government of Canada’s fiduciary responsibility to Aboriginal people.
Territorial supplementary health benefits program should focus on providing benefits to those residents who are not already covered by an existing employer supplementary health benefits program or who are not eligible under any government-sponsored supplementary health benefits program (for example, Non-insured Health Benefits Program and Métis Health Benefits Program).
Territorial supplementary health benefits program should emphasize coverage of preventative services.
Eligibility for supplementary health benefits and catastrophic drug costs should be determined fairly through income testing.
Territorial supplementary health benefits program should be designed in a manner that does not cause employers to reduce supplementary health benefit programs for their employees or provide incentives to opt out of third-party insurance programs.
I would like to again thank Regular Members for the comments and the public for their interest in this policy. In closing, Mr. Speaker the gaps identified will be responded to and I look forward to the implementation of this policy and providing coverage to those most vulnerable and ensuring that no Northerner is exposed to catastrophic drug costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.
