The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is making it easier for residents to access medications to help them quit smoking.

Through its new Quit Card Program, eligible NWT residents can get coverage for prescribed quit smoking medications. This includes residents who do not have drug coverage, or whose coverage has been exhausted, or does not fully cover the cost of medication.

Quitting smoking is challenging, but evidence shows that people who use medications and nicotine replacement therapies are more likely to quit successfully. Cost of these medications and therapies, however, can be a barrier for many residents seeking treatment. The Quit Card Program helps remove that barrier by providing coverage at participating NWT pharmacies. The program is currently being piloted until March 31, 2028.

How the Program Works for Smokers Wishing to Quit:

1. Talk to a health-care provider about quitting smoking and get a prescription for an eligible quit smoking medication.
2. Take your prescription to a participating NWT pharmacy.
3. The pharmacy will first apply any available insurance or drug coverage.
4. If coverage is unavailable, has been exhausted, or does not cover the full cost, the pharmacy can then access and apply a digital Quit Card to cover the remaining eligible costs.

Residents do not need to carry or present a physical card. The Quit Card is a secure digital voucher that is accessed directly by participating NWT pharmacies.

What’s Covered?

The Quit Card Program can help cover the cost of prescribed smoking cessation treatments, including:

• Nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers when prescribed;
• Other prescribed quit-smoking medications.

Your healthcare provider will be aware of which medications may be covered under this program.

Protecting Privacy

The Quit Card does not contain anypersonal information. No patient information is shared through the program, and digital vouchers are not linked to individual patients.

Helping Build Healthier Communities

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death and continues to contribute to health inequities across the Northwest Territories. By reducing financial and administrative barriers to treatment, the GNWT aims to help more residents access effective support when they are ready to quit.

For more information about quitting smoking or vaping, speak with your health-care provider, pharmacist, call 811 or visit NWT Quits at https://www.nthssa.ca/en/NWTQuits

For media requests, please contact:

Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca