Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - February 19 2026 - Reports say that a federal program meant to make it easier for Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) to get healthcare is costing the territorial administration millions since the federal government didn't provide it enough money.

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program pays for things like dental care and travel outside of the territory for First Nations and Inuit. Costs are going up, but government funding is staying the same.

Because of this, the N.W.T. government is making up the difference so that qualified residents don't have to pay for it themselves.

Local politicians, like MLA Denny Rodgers, are worried about how unfair it is that the territory's health system has to pay so much money.

Health Minister Lesa Semmler said that the government paid $13 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year to cover NIHB charges.

The most recent deal between the federal and territorial administrations ran out in March, but talks about funding are still going on.

The N.W.T. got an extra $24 million for the next fiscal year, but they still owe a lot of money on the NIHB because healthcare expenses and inflation are going up.