Check if you qualify for Métis Health Benefits

If you are an Indigenous Métis resident of the Northwest Territories, you may be able to receive extended health benefits that help pay for drug, dental, vision, and medical supply costs. This page explains the eligibility requirements for the program. 

You must be a permanent resident of the Northwest Territories.

You also need a valid NWT Health Care Card. If you do not have one, you must get one before you can apply.

To qualify for Métis Health Benefits, you must:

• Self-identify as Métis.
• Declare that you are not registered under the Indian Act.
• Declare that you are not recognized as Inuk by an Inuit land claim organization.

This program is specifically for Indigenous Métis residents of the Northwest Territories. Being Métis from another province or territory does not qualify you for this program.

You must provide a letter confirming your membership in one of the following Indigenous governments or Indigenous organizations whose members hold or assert Aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982:

• Dehcho First Nations (Fort Providence Métis Council and Fort Simpson Métis Local #52)
• Gwich’in Tribal Council
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation (Fort Resolution Métis Government, Fort Smith Métis Council, Hay River Métis Government Council)
• North Slave Métis Alliance
• Sahtú Secretariat Incorporated
• Tłı̨chǫ Government

If your community or membership organization is not listed above, you are not eligible for Métis Health Benefits.

If you have coverage through your employer or a private insurance plan, you must use that coverage first.

If you choose not to use your employer or private insurance, you are not eligible for Métis Health Benefits.

For dependent children, both parents or guardians must provide information about any other health coverage.