New federal dental plan to reduce barriers to accessing oral healthcare

by | Feb 2, 2024 | Dental Health | 0 comments

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is set to expand its coverage to include seniors over the age of 72, as announced by the federal government. This initiative aims to provide oral health care access to uninsured Canadians by removing financial barriers.

Enrollment Expansion Timeline

1. February 1, 2024

  • Service Canada initiates the invitation process for seniors aged 72–76 to apply for the CDCP.

2. March 2024

  • Seniors aged 70 to 71 will be invited to apply.

3. May 2024

  • Online applications open for all eligible seniors aged 65 and above.

4. June 2024

  • Online applications open for individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit and children under 18.

5. 2025

  • Online applications open for all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18–64.

Application Process

  • Graduated Approach: The phased approach ensures a smooth transition, starting with seniors and gradually extending to other age groups.
  • Online Format: Starting May 2024, the application process will transition to an online format for eligible seniors.
  • Sun Life Administration: Approved requests are forwarded to Sun Life, the program administrator, for enrollment processing.
  • Coverage Start Dates: Coverage initiation varies based on the completion of the enrollment process.

Program Funding

  • Budget Allocation: Budget 2023 allocates $13 billion over five years, beginning in 2023-24, with an ongoing $4.4 billion for CDCP implementation.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CDCP, applicants must:

  • Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000.
  • Lack access to employer, pension-sponsored, or private dental insurance.
  • Have filed the previous year’s tax return.

Dentist Participation

  • Dentist Concerns: Some dentists have expressed concerns about the plan’s logistics, including coverage details.
  • Compensation Assurance: Health Minister Mark Holland commits to providing fair compensation to participating dentists.

Implementation

  • Effective Date: Qualifying residents can see a dentist or oral health provider as early as May 2024.
  • Coverage Limitations: Expenses incurred before the coverage start date are not covered by the plan.
  • Enrollment Status in Moose Jaw: Dental clinics in Moose Jaw are expected to enroll in the program in early to mid-May, pending approval from The College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan.

Conclusion

The CDCP expansion represents a significant step in providing comprehensive oral health coverage to uninsured Canadians, emphasizing a phased approach to ensure effective implementation and address concerns from stakeholders. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of the population through improved access to dental care.