Close X
    Friday, September 20, 2024
    ADVT 
    National

    Seniors over 87 can apply to join federal dental plan starting next week

    Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Dec, 2023 11:22 AM
    • Seniors over 87 can apply to join federal dental plan starting next week

    The federal government hopes to avoid gumming up the works of its new dental-insurance plan by gradually phasing in enrolment over the course of the next year, Health Minister Mark Holland said Monday. 

    Seniors over the age of 87 will be the first cohort to be able to apply to join a new federal dental-insurance plan. 

    It will be slowly expanded over the course of 2024 to include all qualifying seniors, children under the age of 18 and people with disabilities.

    Holland announced the rollout of the program, which is currently budgeted to cost $13 billion over the next five years, at a news conference at a dental clinic at Algonquin College in Ottawa. 

    The program is aimed at people with an annual household income under $90,000 who don't have access to private insurance.

    "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," Holland said. As many as nine million Canadians lack private coverage, he added.

    There has been "enormous additional cost" to the health system — to say nothing of a person's own dignity — when people have to wait until their oral health is so dire that they have to get treatment at the emergency room, Holland said.

    "We know we can do better."

    Coverage will include preventive, diagnostic, restorative and surgical services — including X-rays, fillings, root canal treatments and dentures, among others, he said. 

    Once eligibility is expanded to all qualifying Canadian residents in 2025, it will be the government's largest social program. 

    "This is a proud moment, I think for all Canadians, in expanding what is the definition of health care in Canada," said Holland.

    The insurance plan is a key pillar in the Liberal's supply-and-confidence deal with the New Democrats to secure the opposition party's support on key votes. 

    The NDP lauded the news in a statement Monday, styling the plan as "the NDP national dental care program." 

     

    Prev Next

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'

    Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'
    In an investigation update this week, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP says it has received "little information or records" since July from the police force's E Division, headquartered in Surrey, B.C.

    Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'

    Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert

    Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert
    The leaders of Canada and the European Union wrapped up a two-day summit in Newfoundland on Friday with a flurry of partnership announcements on green energy, raw minerals and research funding. Substantive negotiations are complete surrounding Canada's bid to join Horizon Europe, the EU's $100-billion scientific research program, the two parties said in a joint statement on Friday. They are working toward a "prompt signature and implementation" of an official deal, the statement said.  

    Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert

    Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

    Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID
    Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has been actively working to identify two males who are believed to be involved in this incident. Although a motive has not yet been identified, it appears to have been a targeted incident. At the time of the incident, suspect one was wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants and white shoes. He has visible tattoos on both arms.

    Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

    Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

    Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid
    In the House of Commons this week, Conservative MPs voted against a bill to implement a negotiated update to an existing trade deal between Canada and Ukraine, touching off a heated debate. Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre has insisted that they were rejecting the legislation because it promotes carbon pricing, which he said has been "devastating" for the Canadian economy, and not voting against the trade deal itself. 

    Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

    Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

    Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk
    Home Depot is recalling some of its pre-lit artificial Christmas trees because they could pose a fire hazard. Health Canada says consumers should stop using the Home Decorators Collection 7.5 foot Grand Duchess Balsam Fir tree with 5000 Colour Changing Lights.

    Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

    Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada

    Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada
    The union representing Vancouver's police officers says it has reached a tentative labour agreement that, if passed, will see its members become Canada's highest-paid officers. Vancouver Police Union president Ralph Kaisers says negotiations with their employers began earlier this year, and the tentative collective agreement was reached on Oct. 31.  

    Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada

    PrevNext