Canada’s dental plan has officially kicked in. Who is eligible?
The first phase of the Canadian Dental Care Plan was officially launched across the country Wednesday. While 1.9 million seniors can now access the plan, many other Canadians must wait a bit longer.
Starting May 1, coverage became available for seniors aged 70 and older. Seniors aged 65 and above who meet the criteria can also now apply for the dental plan.
“Today makes a very important milestone for the Canadian dental care program which will make dental care more accessible and affordable for Canadians,” Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said during a Wednesday media conference. “These are seniors who will be able to better able to take care of themselves in order to receive treatment for long-neglected dental needs, such as new dentures, cleaning, examinations or fillings.”
The CDCP plan was born out of the Liberals’ supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP in 2022, and it offers dental care benefits directly to Canadian residents who are uninsured with a household income under $90,000.
But it is rolling out in stages.
As of Wednesday, more than 1,200 seniors have already visited a dentist and had their claims processed by the federal government’s new dental care plan, Citizens’ Services Minister Terry Beech said at the media conference.
The first one million seniors who registered for the program received their benefits card and became eligible to make claims under the program on May 1. The first patient was seen at 7:08 a.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador, Beech said.
To access the dental care program you must:
Applications are now available for eligible seniors 65 and older.
Starting in June, children under the age of 18 and people with a valid disability tax credit certificate can apply.
All remaining eligible
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