“Far too many people have avoided getting the care that they need simply because it was too expensive, and that’s why this plan is essential,” Mark Holland, the federal health minister, said at a press conference on Dec. 11, 2023. He also noted that the plan is “going to help make life better for eligible Canadian residents because they won’t have to make the choice between paying their bills and getting the care that they absolutely need.”
The plan will cost $13 billion over the next five years, and $4.4 billion annually in subsequent years.
When can you apply for the federal dental plan for seniors?
The government has announced that application dates for the CDCP will be rolled out gradually. According to its website, it will mail letters to potentially eligible seniors aged 87 and older in mid-December; ages 77 to 86 in January 2024; ages 72 to 76 in February 2024; and ages 70 to 71 in March 2024. The letters will contain a personalized application code and instructions to call Service Canada and apply by phone.
Letters will only go out to those who had an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 in 2022, based on their tax return for that year, and they will be mailed to the address used in that tax return. (Haven’t filed your 2022 taxes? It’s a good time to catch up!) There’s no information yet on what to do if you think you qualify for the CDCP but don’t receive a letter, but you could try calling a CDCP representative at 1-833-537-4342. And if your address has changed, contact the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure its records are up to date.
Starting in May 2024, potentially eligible Canadians aged 65 to 69, and those aged 70 and up who received a letter but could not apply by phone, can apply for the CDCP online. Those who are approved for the CDCP will be enrolled in the program by Sun Life, the service provider that has been contracted to manage the dental plan.
When can other eligible Canadians apply for the federal dental care plan?
For children under age 12, applications for the Canada Dental Benefit are open until June 30, 2024—here’s how to apply.
The government will start accepting CDCP applications for children under 18 and adults who have a valid disability tax credit certificate starting in June 2024. All other eligible Canadians can apply in 2025.
Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
To qualify for the CDCP, the government says that you must:
Save – MoneySense. (2023-12-22 13:41:19). www.moneysense.ca
