N.W.T. health minister delays changes to extended benefits

The Northwest Territories government is delaying its plan to cut back on its extended health benefits, due to a public outcry from seniors and other residents who say theywould be hurt by the changes.

The changes, which would require residents to pass an income means test to be eligible, will be delayed until Sept. 1, Health Minister Sandy Lee announced in a release issued late Monday.

The changes were supposed to take effect April 1, discontinuing extended benefits for those who do not pass the income test. But seniors in the territory protested, arguing that they can't afford to pay health costs that were previously paid for by the government.

Under the current extended health benefits policy, non-aboriginal seniors over the age of 60 have the cost of dental work, glasses and prescription drugs covered.

The government has argued that the current policy leaves out other N.W.T. residents who cannot afford supplementary health-care costs.

Changes under review

The governmenthad wanted to replace the policy on April 1 with a new supplementary health benefits program and a catastrophic drug costs program.

"During preparation to implement the new policies, however, it became clear that some elements of the proposed program might create undue hardship for some northerners," the release read.

"To ensure the program is consistent with the intent of the policy, the program design will be reviewed before the program is implemented."

Lee thanked everyone who gave her feedback on the proposed changes.

"Their feedback is appreciated and will be considered as the program issues are addressed," she stated in the release.