TORONTO, May 22, 2024
/CNW/ - The Government of Canada
is marking new milestones toward making oral health care more
accessible and affordable in Canada. This week two million Canadian
seniors will have been approved to receive coverage under
the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and will be able to access the
dental care they need.
To date, more than 90,000 seniors have received care
from participating providers. For some seniors, it is their
first time seeing an oral health provider in decades. If those
eligible for services do not already have an oral health
provider they can consult Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search
to find an oral health provider in their community.
Seniors aged 65 and over who do not have access to dental
insurance and have an adjusted family net income of less than
$90,000 can apply to the CDCP. In
June, applications will be further expanded to adults with a valid
disability tax credit and children under 18, making oral health
care more affordable and accessible for many other Canadian
residents.
There are currently close to 10,000 oral health providers
offering a wide-range of services to patients covered under
the CDCP. This includes dentists and dental specialists,
independent dental hygienists and denturists. We thank all
participating providers for supporting the CDCP and for their
important role in helping to improve health outcomes in
Canada.
CDCP clients should always ask the oral health provider if they
are participating in the CDCP before booking an appointment.
Starting July 8, oral health
providers will be able to direct bill Sun Life for services
provided on a claim-by-claim basis, without formally signing up for
the CDCP. This means clients will be able to see any oral health
provider of their choice, as long as the provider agrees to direct
bill Sun Life for services provided under the plan.
Depending on their household income, CDCP clients may have to
pay a co-payment, as well as additional charges, depending on the
services received. Before receiving any services, CDCP clients
should confirm the amount that is not covered by the CDCP and that
they will need to pay directly to their provider. CDCP clients
should not pay the full amount and seek reimbursement from Sun
Life, as this is not possible.
Oral health care is health care. No one should have to choose
between taking care of their teeth and paying their bills. The CDCP
is going to help make dental care more affordable for up to nine
million Canadians who are estimated to currently not have
coverage.
For more information, visit Canada.ca/dental.
Quote
"Today marks new milestones in oral health care with two million
seniors approved to receive quality dental coverage under the
Canadian Dental Care Plan and close to ten thousand participating
oral health care providers. For decades, many Canadians could not
receive the care they need and deserve, as they struggled with the
cost of living. As the number of participating oral health
providers grows, more Canadians will benefit from improved oral and
overall health."
The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
"Too many Canadians are going without the dental care they need.
That is why we launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan—a
transformative expansion of Canada's social safety net—to ensure every
Canadian can get the dental care they need. By next year, nine
million uninsured Canadians will have their dental care covered.
That's what fairness is about."
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
"I would like to thank Canadians for embracing the phased
approach to roll out the largest public benefit in our history. In
approximately one month, children and eligible persons with
disabilities can also apply online for the Canadian Dental Care
Plan. Tens of thousands of Canadians have already received
necessary oral health care under this plan. With kids and persons
with disabilities enrolling next month, we are making sure everyone
gets the care they need."
The Honourable Terry Beech
Minister of Citizens' Services
"Thanks to oral health providers across the country and the
Government of Canada's engagement,
more than two million seniors have already been approved for
coverage and are now eligible to receiving dental care. We look
forward to continuing to partner with more oral health providers,
as we work towards our objective of helping Canadians access
affordable oral health."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"It's great to see that thousands of Canadians have started to
receive the oral health care they need. Knowing that Canadians are
accessing care and helping their smiles shine is heartwarming.
Together, with the Government of Canada, we're committed to ensuring the
Canadian Dental Care Plan continues to succeed."
Dave Jones
President, Sun Life Health
Quick Facts
- Budget 2023 announced an investment of $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24,
and $4.4 billion ongoing, to
implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The Government has
also committed to spend $250 million
over three years starting in 2025-26, and $75 million ongoing, to establish the Oral Health
Access Fund (OHAF).
- The Government of Canada
continues to increase opportunities to access oral health services.
This month, the government launched the Oral Health Access Fund
(OHAF), which will further reduce barriers that prevent Canadians
from accessing oral health care, including in rural and remote
communities. The first Call for Proposals will support projects
submitted by oral health training institutions.
- CDCP provider participation is voluntary. Oral health providers
eligible to participate and who can bill for services include:
- dentists
- denturists
- dental hygienists
- dental specialists
- Health Canada is collaborating
with provinces and territories regarding their public oral health
services, including the coordination of benefits between the CDCP
and provincial and territorial publicly funded programs. Each
provincial or territorial factsheet is available on Canada.ca
Associated Links
- Canada.ca/Dental
- Find a CDCP provider
- What oral health providers need to know about the CDCP
- Oral Health Access Fund: Call for proposals
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)