Yes, the Member is correct. ALS is not one of the conditions covered under our specified disease conditions under our supplemental health program, but I do want to make it clear that, unlike many other jurisdictions, things like homecare are part of our services that we do provide. We are working with clients and residents who have different specified diseases such as ALS, providing them with things like homecare and other services that they wouldn't get, or they would have to pay for in other jurisdictions. Having said that, the specified disease condition is just one of our programs that focus on things like prescription drugs and sometimes medical supplies and these types of things.
Currently, most of our programs are tied to the non-insured health benefits program, and ALS is not something that's covered by NIHB. We are trying to move away from having a specified disease condition program here in the Northwest Territories. I agree with the Member. It doesn't seem to capture some of our residents who are in the highest level of need, and it should be based on condition or on individual's ability needs, rather than a specified condition.
We are doing some work to modify our supplemental health programs. Much of the work is going to occur in the life of this Assembly, but it probably won't be until the next Assembly that some decisions need to be made around that. I do hear the Member's frustration. I share that frustration. We will certainly work with individuals to ensure that they are getting as much support as they can.