WINNIPEG, MB, July 8, 2024
/CNW/ - The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is making
life better for Canadians. More than 2.1 million seniors have
been approved to receive coverage under the plan, and to
date, almost 250,000 have already obtained oral health care
services like cleaning, fillings and dentures.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business,
joined Kevin Lamoureux, Member of
Parliament for Winnipeg North, to highlight recent changes to the
Canadian Dental Care Plan.
As of today, oral health providers will be able to participate
in the program on a claim-by-claim basis, making it even easier for
them to treat patients participating in the plan. Online
applications will open to uninsured Canadians between the ages of
18 and 64 in 2025.
Eligible children under the age of 18 and adults with a valid
Disability Tax Credit Certificate can now apply online through
Service Canada. Coverage start date, details of coverage and member
cards will be sent to eligible applicants by Sun Life, the
contracted service provider, in a welcome package.
Successful applicants will receive this welcome package from Sun
Life within approximately three months of their application.
Expenses for treatments provided under the CDCP will not be covered
prior to the coverage start date.
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 an
estimated 9 million Canadians who currently do not have
coverage.
Quote
"Canadians shouldn't have to choose between paying their bills
and getting the dental care they need. The Canadian Dental Care
Plan is a life-changing initiative to make sure all Canadians, no
matter their age or background, can preserve their health without
breaking the bank. Today's announcement is great news for patients
and providers to access the plan. With this major milestone, we are
on track to create a more inclusive economy where millions of
Canadians can put the stress of affording dental care behind them
and live better lives."
– The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
Quick facts
- Eligible seniors aged 65 and over can continue to apply to the
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) using the online application.
- In December 2022, the Government
of Canada launched the interim
Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) to help lower dental costs for eligible
families. The CDB helped close to 450,000 children under 12 receive
oral health care. As the CDB came to an end on June 30, parents and guardians are invited to
apply to the CDCP for the children under their care.
- All remaining eligible Canadian residents between the ages of
18 and 64 will be able to apply online in 2025.
- CDCP provider participation is voluntary. Oral health providers
who are eligible to participate and can bill for services include
dentists, denturists, dental hygienists and dental
specialists.
- This past spring, the Government of Canada launched the Oral Health Access Fund.
This fund will support projects that aim to improve training and
capacity for oral health care providers, connect people to oral
health care, and deliver prevention and education efforts to
improve oral health.
Associated links
- Canadian Dental Care Plan – Apply
- CDCP Provider Search Tool
- Oral Health Access Fund: Call for proposals
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada