The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has recently (May 2024) started its phased rollout to provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with a household income under $90,000. Here are the key details about the plan:
Phased Rollout and Eligibility
Current Phase (Seniors): As of May 1, 2024, coverage is available for seniors aged 70 and older. This group includes over 1.9 million seniors who are now able to access dental care services under the plan. Seniors aged 65 and above who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online or at Service Canada locations​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Global News)​.
Upcoming Phases:
·        June 2024: Applications will open for children under 18 and individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate​ (Global News)​.
·        2025: All remaining eligible Canadian residents aged 18-64 can apply online​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Global News)​.
Key Features and Services
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, applicants must:
·        Be a Canadian resident.
·        Not have access to dental insurance.
·        Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
·        Have filed the previous year's tax return​ (Global News)​​ (Global News)​.
Covered Services: The plan covers a range of dental services including routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and more specialized services like crowns and dentures. Some services may require preauthorization​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Global News)​.
Provider Participation: Over 6,500 oral health providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, denturists, and dental specialists, have signed up to participate in the CDCP. Starting July 8, 2024, patients can see any oral health provider who agrees to direct bill Sun Life for services​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Global News)​.
Financial Aspects
Budget Allocation: The plan is supported by a $13 billion investment over five years and $4.4 billion in ongoing funding. This substantial investment is aimed at providing comprehensive dental care to up to nine million uninsured Canadians​ (Global News)​​ (Global News)​.
Cost to Patients: Depending on household income, patients may need to pay a co-payment or additional charges. It's essential for patients to confirm any out-of-pocket costs with their provider before receiving services​ (Canada.ca)​.
Application Process
·        Online and In-Person Applications: Applications can be submitted online via the Canada.ca website or in person at Service Canada locations. For those without internet access, a phone application option is also available​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Global News)​.
This plan represents a significant step towards improving oral health access and affordability in Canada, aiming to reduce the financial barriers that have prevented many from receiving essential dental care. For more details and to apply, visit the Canada Dental Care Plan page.
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