Expansion of National Dental Care Plan Now Includes Seniors Aged 72 and Above

The health minister assures that the details regarding how dentists will register and receive payment will be forthcoming.

Today, seniors aged 72 and above become eligible to register for Canada’s national dental care plan, yet dentists remain unable to sign up for the program, despite their impending requirement to accommodate patients in a few months.

Health Minister Mark Holland addressed reporters on Wednesday, acknowledging the anticipated inquiries regarding providers. He assured that negotiations for crucial details are nearing completion, expressing readiness to disseminate information promptly to all providers and dentists.

The logistics of dentist, hygienist, and denturist registration, billing procedures, and compensation rates remain ambiguous.

The $13 billion national dental plan aims to extend dental care to approximately nine million uninsured Canadians by 2025. Enrollment for the plan, designed to furnish dental benefits to uninsured families earning under $90,000 annually, commenced late last year. Coverage is slated to commence in May.

Holland mentioned that the federal government has been in discussions with dental associations nationwide to finalize the specifics.

The federal government is progressively sending out invitations to seniors aged 70 and above to enroll in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, beginning with the eldest. Today marks the eligibility for seniors aged 72 and older. In May, an online portal will be accessible for those aged 65 and above to complete their registration.

According to Holland, over 400,000 seniors have already completed their registration.