That’s right, Canada’s next dental coverage plan is set to begin unfolding later this year. And if you’re like most Canadians, you may have a lot of questions about what this means for you.
In this blog post, we’ll do a quick overview of what this new dental proposal is, who it’s meant to help, and who might be eligible for it in the future!
What is the Dental Coverage Proposal 2022?
Brought forward by a Liberal-NDP coalition, this proposal lays the groundwork for a nationwide dental program designed to help millions of Canadians gain access to more affordable dental care in the country.
It’s aimed at those people who do not have employer health benefits or cannot afford private insurance for basic dental benefits.
Cost and coverage of the plan
The government estimates national dental coverage will help around 6.5 million households across Canada (including 1.7 million households with children under 18 years old).
The federal government aims to provide $1 billion in funding over the next 10 years for provinces and territories to establish the program. Over the next year, a federal-provincial working group will establish the details of the program and how it would be funded.
Who is eligible for coverage?
Meant as a progressive rollout, the first stage of this dental coverage proposal will open to children under 12, and by next year, it would grow to include children up to 18, seniors, and those living with disabilities.
By the year, 2025, the program should be fully implemented, which would extend dental coverage to include families who make less than $90,000 without any dental plans. Also, individuals making under $70,000 would not need to make co-pays.
Healthier, happier smiles for more Canadians!
Bright smiles and healthy gums should be accessible to all Canadians – that’s why this proposal is a step in the right direction. Though more time is needed to understand the next steps in the implementation, we’re hopeful this proposal will help more Canadians smile a little bit bigger!