GNWT offering coverage for drugs to quit smoking not covered by insurance

The GNWT has announced a new program that will help residents cover prescribed medications used to help them quit smoking.

In a Monday news release, the territory said the Quit Card Program will help residents who do not have drug coverage or whose coverage has been exhausted or does not cover the full cost of medication.

The GNWT said the program covers prescribed nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers as well as other prescribed quit-smoking medications.

“Quitting smoking is challenging, but evidence shows that people who use medications and nicotine replacement therapies are more likely to quit successfully. [The] cost of these medications and therapies, however, can be a barrier for many residents seeking treatment,” the release states.

“The Quit Card Program helps remove that barrier by providing coverage at participating NWT pharmacies.”

To access the support, residents can take their prescription to a participating NWT pharmacy, which will apply any available insurance or drug coverage before applying for a digital Quit Card voucher to cover the remaining eligible costs.

The GNWT said it is piloting the program until March 31, 2028.