Update on the Canadian Dental Care Plan The federal government announced a phased roll-out of theCanadianDental CarePlan (CDCP) inDecember 2023. But there are still many details that remain unknown about how the government programwill function. The government says that the CDCP will be reviewed regularly, based on data and evidence, to ensure that it meets the needs of Canadians. CDA remains hopeful that all key recommendations from our February2023PolicyPaper, created incollaborationwith theprovincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs), are included in the CDCP. CDA will review the program in its entirety when more specifics are clarified in the coming months. Our focus remains that any federally funded dental care program should: z be compatible with a holistic approach to oral health that acknowledges the interconnection between oral health and general health and well-being z promote patient-centred care and a patient’s right to choose their provider z prioritize preventative care z support the delivery of care primarily through the existing network of dental offices, supplemented as needed by public clinics The CDCP should deliver optimal and barrier-free oral health care, and CDA will continue to work towards this end goal for patients and providers. As of late January 2024, the following CDCP details are what we know. What do we know about the CDCP? The federal government announced a phased sign-up process for those eligible for the CDCP, based on age. The government intends to provide coverage for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits and have an adjusted net household annual income of less than $90,000. The first group eligible to apply for the program are seniors age 87 and older, with other age brackets and groups gradually becoming eligible throughout 2024. Eligible persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18 will be able to enrol in the CDCP starting in June 2024. The government hopes to have all remaining eligible Canadian residents able to enrol starting in 2025. The government refers to eligible members of the CDCP as “plan members.” The CDCP is a government dental benefit; it is not a free dental program. The CDCP is not intended to replace existing workplace or private dental benefits. Sun Life is the contracted service provider that will manage the CDCP on behalf of the federal government. Who is eligible? To qualify for the CDCP, patients will need to meet eligibility criteria, including: z have no access to employer/pension-sponsored or private dental insurance z have a net adjusted household annual income under $90,000 z be a Canadian resident z have filed tax returns in the previous year The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will now require employers to report on theirT4/T4Awhether their employees and their families had access to dental insurance coverage, including spending and wellness accounts. 9 Issue 1 | 2024 |
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