Frequently Asked Questions
- I had to pay for my prescription or dental services. How do I get reimbursed for this amount?
- My pharmacist told me that my prescription is not covered by the Extended Health Benefits for Specified Diseases Program. I thought all prescriptions were covered?
- Do my Extended Health Benefits for Specified Diseases begin as soon as I am diagnosed with a chronic disease?
- I submitted a claim to the Extended Health Benefits Office in Inuvik for my medical travel expenses and only received partial reimbursement. Why can't I be fully reimbursed?
- Will I receive a prescription pharmacare card for Extended Health Benefits?
- My pharmacist told me that my prescription is not covered by Extended Health Benefits. I thought all prescriptions were covered?
- Do my seniors benefits begin as soon as I turn 60 years old?
- Do I have to access my private/employer insurance plan, before I apply for the Extended Health Benefits Program?
- Will I receive a senior's prescription pharmacare card?
I had to pay for my prescription or dental services. How do I get reimbursed for this amount?
Prescription drugs
In most cases, you should be able to just show your Alberta Blue Cross identification card when you pay for your prescription at a pharmacy, and the pharmacist will bill Alberta Blue Cross directly for the amount owing.
In instances where direct billing is not available, you may complete an Alberta Blue Cross Health Services Claim Form and submit it with original receipts within 12 months of the date the expense was incurred. Reimbursement will be made to you at your home address.
Dental Services
Alberta Blue Cross allows all dental offices to bill Alberta Blue Cross directly for services provided to you. If your dentist accepts this method, just show your card and you will only be required to pay amounts not covered by your plan.
Note: Claims must be submitted within 12 months of an expense being incurred.
Only drugs listed on the Northwest Territories drug listing for your disease condition are eligible for coverage. Should a drug that is used for the treatment of your disease condition not be on the list, please ask your doctor to complete a Request for Exception Drug Coverage form for the Department’s consideration.
You must apply for the program. Complete an Extended Health Benefits application form and forward it to the Health Benefits section for consideration.
You were reimbursed according to the Extended Health Benefit guidelines. Accommodation and meals are covered at approved medical boarding homes when the patient is not admitted to hospital. Accommodation in other facilities is covered at the daily rate set by the Department of Health and Social Services. Meals will be subsidized at the Departments daily rate. Prior to traveling, contact the Health Benefit section for current daily rates.
Will I receive a prescription pharmacare card for Extended Health Benefits?
Only clients that have full benefits under the Extended Health Benefits program are issued pharmacare cards. Clients who have access to another insurance company must pay up front and submit to their insurance company. Extended Health Benefits will then pay any remaining amount up to the regular program limits.
This program provides you with up to 100 percent coverage for eligible prescription drug products as defined in the NWT Drug Listing, when the drug is prescribed by a health care professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Alberta Blue Cross administers Prescription Drug and Dental Benefits for Seniors on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Should a drug that has been prescribed for you not be included in the NWT Drug Listing, your physician or pharmacist may submit a request to Alberta Blue Cross on your behalf for prior authorization through the Extended Health Benefits program.
Do my seniors benefits begin as soon as I turn 60 years old?
You must apply for the program. A seniors program application form will be mailed to you prior to you turning 60. Should you not receive an application form, please contact the Department of Health and Social Services.
Yes. The Extended Health Benefits program is the payment agency of last resort. The Extended Health Benefits policy states that any individual with access to a private/employer plan must access it.
Will I receive a senior's prescription pharmacare card?
Alberta Blue Cross administers Prescription Drug and Dental Benefits for Seniors on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Each registrant in this program is provided with an Alberta Blue Cross identification card, which must be presented at pharmacies or dental offices to access services.