In the coming days, Canadian seniors aged 87 and over will receive a letter to register with Service Canada to receive their first covered dental care starting in May. This age group will be the first to be able to benefit from the new federal dental insurance plan.
In total, more than 9 million Canadians will be able to benefit from the federal insurance program for accessibility to dental care. The deployment of this program will be done gradually, first among seniors who will be able to register by telephone with Service Canada by providing their social insurance number and a unique code. Starting next Monday, letters will be sent to people aged 87 and over. However, it will be several months before they can start claiming benefits. The 77 to 86 year olds will follow in January, the 72 to 76 year olds in February and the 70 to 71 year olds in March. As for people aged 65 to 69, they will be able to register starting in May, online only.
The letters will be sent in June to individuals eligible for the program, including people with disabilities and children under 18, who meet certain criteria. For those who meet the eligibility requirements but are not part of the first phase, they will have the opportunity to submit their application in 2025.
Criteria to be eligible
- Not having access to other dental insurance
- Have an adjusted net family income of less than $90,000 annually
- Be a Canadian resident
- Have filed a tax return the previous year
The importance of dental care among the elderly
Dental care plays a crucial role in the overall health of seniors, having a significant influence on their physical, emotional and social well-being. As we age, dental problems can become more frequent and complex, highlighting the importance of paying special attention to oral health in older adults. Tooth loss, gum disease and other oral conditions can directly impact nutrition, hindering the ability to eat essential foods for maintaining good health.
Furthermore, dental problems among seniors can also have psychosocial consequences, affecting their self-confidence and their quality of life. Healthy teeth promote effective communication, build self-esteem and maintain active social relationships. Regular dental care for seniors is not limited to preventing problems, but also contributes to maintaining an active and rewarding life.
By investing in appropriate dental care for older people, it is possible to promote their independence, improve their daily comfort and reduce the risk of medical complications linked to poor oral health. Therefore, the promotion of regular oral hygiene and access to appropriate dental care should be among the priorities to guarantee the overall well-being of seniors.
The dental insurance plan is a condition of the support and confidence agreement between the Liberals and the New Democrats, which allows the minority Liberal government to secure the support of the NDP in key votes in the House municipalities.
The agreement between the Liberals and the New Democrats is based in part on the establishment of a dental insurance plan. This strategic measure allows the minority Liberal government to secure the support of the NDP during crucial votes in the House of Commons.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the new dental insurance plan
Q: Can I access it if I am a citizen of Quebec?
A: Yes, you can access this plan if you are from Quebec, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: How will the dental insurance program work?
A: Service Canada will forward the information of each eligible citizen to Sun Life, which will administer the program.
Q: How do I claim the cost of my dental appointment?
A: You will have to wait a few months before you can claim an amount following an appointment for dental care. Claims with Sun Life will be made by the dentist on behalf of the patient, who may however have to pay a co-payment depending on their income.
Q: What dental care will be covered by this insurance plan?
A: The federal dental program will cover preventative services such as scaling, polishing, fluoride, sealants, and diagnostic services such as exams and x-rays, restorative services such as fillings, endodontic services such as root canals, prosthodontics such as complete or partial dentures, periodontal services such as deep scaling, and oral surgery services such as tooth extractions. The fee schedule will vary from province to province, but it will be different from the fee schedule of the provincial dental associations.
Q: If I did not file a tax return the previous year, am I eligible for the program?
A: No, only people who filed a proper tax return the previous year will be eligible.
Q: How much will this government insurance program cost?
A: Justin Trudeau's government has planned $13 billion over five years from 2023-2024 and $4.4 billion thereafter for the establishment of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which aims to fill the gaps in private insurance plans and provincial and territorial plans.