More than one million Canadian seniors who do not have dental coverage can now receive free or subsidized care under the new federal Canadian Dental Care Plan , which launched on May 1.
The initial rollout covers Canadians aged 65 and above, with the goal to eventually provide dental care for uninsured Canadians with an annual household income under $90,000.
Here’s what you should know about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, including if you’re eligible, how to apply, and where to find a dentist.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is intended to provide dental coverage for low- and middle-income Canadian residents who do not have access to dental benefits.
It’s part of the Liberal party’s supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP in 2022, and is estimated to cost $13 billion over five years and $4.4 billion a year after that.
The plan will be managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life.
Health Minister Mark Holland had said the national dental care plan would improve health outcomes for Canadians and build equity by expanding access to oral health care for all Canadians, calling Wednesday’s launch date a “pivotal moment in our country’s history.”
Who is eligible?
Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 a year who do not have access to dental insurance. You’ll also need to have filed your tax return in the previous year.
If you’re eligible for dental coverage through your workplace, professional or student organization, but choose not to take it or use it, you are not eligible for the CDCP.
Up to nine million Canadians are expected to be covered by the plan, although the initial rollout only covers about one million seniors who have already applied for the plan and can get covered dental care starting May 1.
What is covered?
Dental services covered by the CDCP include: checkups, cleaning, polishing, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, extractions, and X-rays, among others.
Some services require prior approval and are based on a dentist’s recommendation. Services requiring preauthorization are not available until November 2024.
For a full list of services covered, check here .
How much is covered?
The CDCP covers part of or the full cost of services, based on income and what your oral health provider charges.
If your household income is less than $70,000, the plan covers 100 per cent of eligible services at the CDCP’s established fees (these fees could be different from what is charged by your provider).
Families who make more than $70,000 will have to co-pay.
Families who make between $70,000 and $79,000 will be covered for 60 per cent of services, while those who make between $80,000 and $89,999 will be covered for 40 per cent.
How do I apply?
Health Canada is accepting applications in phases.
Seniors over the age of 65 are eligible to apply. If you have a valid disability tax credit certificate or have a child age 18 and under, you can apply as of June 2024.
All other eligible Canadians can apply starting 2025.
In the application, you need to submit information including: Name, home and mailing address, social insurance number, and date of birth. The form will also ask you to list any dental coverage you may have through government social programs.
You can apply here .
When can I start receiving dental care under CDCP?
After Health Canada approves your application, Sun Life will enrol you in the program and send you a welcome package, which will include information on the CPCP, your member card, and coverage start date.
Where can I go to receive dental care?
There are more than 6,500 oral health providers who have signed up to provide care under the CDCP, said Health Canada.
You can search for participating dentists, dental hygienists, denturists or dental specialists using Sun Life’s CDCP provider search tool . If you are having trouble finding one online, call Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110.
Starting July 8, care providers don’t have to sign up for the CDCP but can bill Sun Life directly for services on a claim-by-claim basis.
To make sure your care will be reimbursed under the CDCP, Health Canada advises people to check with their provider to make sure they are participating in the program.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2024
