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Réseau FADOQ is pleased that the federal government has finally confirmed that people aged 65 and over will have access to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. However, we consider its deployment to be overly complex.

Claims as early as May

People who may be eligible for the dental insurance program will receive letters inviting them to apply. These will contain instructions on how to validate their eligibility and explanations on how to apply by telephone.

As of December 18, people aged 87 and over will be able to apply, followed by those aged 77 to 86 in January 2024, those aged 72 to 76 in February 2024, those aged 70 and 71 in March 2024, and those aged 65 to 69 in May 2024.

To be eligible, individuals must not have access to dental insurance and have an annual family income of less than $90,000.

Those eligible for the dental insurance program should be able to make claims for dental services starting this May. Covered treatments include cleanings, examinations and x-rays, fillings, root canals and removable full and partial dentures.

Some concerns

We at Canada’s largest seniors’ organization sincerely hope that the application process will work smoothly, and that the federal government will provide a service for those who have difficulty with the system.

As it stands now, callers will have to register on an automated Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Starting in May 2024, applications will be made via an online portal.

“We’re pleased that people aged 65 and over finally have details of this program. However, we fear that its implementation will be too complicated and take too long. The government must ensure that people can ask questions if they have any concerns about the program,” says Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, President of Réseau FADOQ.

The other concern is about the discussions that must be had with the provinces and territories to ensure the plan’s rollout.

Ottawa has yet to reach an agreement with the Québec government, which has already announced its intention to withdraw from the federal program in order to obtain compensation.

Since dental care is a major expense that can often unbalance a senior household’s budget, Réseau FADOQ hopes that an agreement will be reached between the two levels of government so that people aged 65 and over can take full advantage of this insurance program, one way or another.