Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”!
Last week, we talked about the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), a valuable benefit many low-income seniors are missing out on. This week, we’re diving into an even bigger topic that’s on everyone’s mind: the Canadian Dental Care Plan, or CDCP. This is a significant new benefit that could help millions of Canadians, but it’s still so new that many of us are unsure about how it works.
What is the CDCP and Who is Eligible?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program designed to help ease the financial barriers to accessing oral health care. It is intended for Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance and have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 a year.
Eligibility Criteria:
- No Access to Dental Insurance: This is the most important rule. The plan is for those without an existing dental plan through an employer, pension, or private coverage.
- Annual Net Income: Your family’s net income must be less than $90,000.
- Canadian Resident: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes and have filed a tax return for the previous year.
- Age: As of May 2024, all seniors aged 65 and over are eligible to apply.
What the Plan Covers
The CDCP is designed to cover a wide range of essential dental care services that are key to maintaining your oral health. While it’s not a free plan for everyone, it covers a percentage of the costs, which can be a huge help.
Covered Services Could Include:
- Preventive Care: Dental exams, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants.
- Restorative Care: Fillings and root canals.
- Oral Surgery: Including extractions.
- Prosthodontic Services: Complete and partial removable dentures, as well as repairs.
- Anesthesia and Sedation: Certain sedation services may be covered.
How much the plan covers depends on your family’s net income. If your income is less than $70,000, the plan covers 100% of eligible costs. If it’s between $70,000 and $89,999, you may have to pay a portion of the cost directly to your dentist.
How to Apply
The federal government and its partners, like Sun Life, have been working to make the application process as easy as possible. Many eligible seniors have already received a letter inviting them to apply.
- Check Your Mail: Look for a letter from Service Canada. It will contain a personal code and instructions on how to apply by phone.
- Apply Online: You can also apply online through your My Service Canada Account. Once you’re signed in, look for the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section.
- Get Help: If you can’t apply online, you can call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 for assistance. You can also have a trusted family member or caregiver help you.
Your Turn to Claim!
This plan is a great opportunity to get the oral health care you need. If you’re 65 or older and don’t have private dental insurance, it is a great idea to see if you are eligible. Take a moment to check your mail or your My Service Canada Account today.
Next week, in our ongoing series, we’ll talk about the tax credits and government benefits that can save you money.
(Please remember: We are not dentists or medical health professionals. This information is for educational purposes only.)
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.