Good Afternoon
The Federal Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan Jr. announced today that the Seniors Dental Benefit will be available to Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000.00 and no private insurance. Applications to receive the benefit are set to open next week for seniors over the age of 87; however, appointments to see an oral healthcare provider will not be available until May 2024. Eligibility will expand through 2024 to include all qualifying seniors over the age of 65. Dental hygiene preventative services are included in services covered by the Seniors Dental Benefit. Work currently is underway to enroll dental providers, set up a website and call center to answer questions from oral health providers and plan members. Once the program is up and running, seniors will be issued a benefits card which they will present to dental care providers who will submit the claim on their behalf. In order to inform seniors of the benefit, letters will be mailed to eligible seniors and contact will be made with oral health practitioners to provide information on the Seniors Dental Benefit.
For more information visit the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html
In health,
Arlynn
Dr. Arlynn Brodie RDH, MHS, PhD
Registrar, Executive Director
College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba