Health Canada says about one per cent of people enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) were found to be ineligible or paying the wrong co-payment amount because of an income calculation error.
In a statement on Tuesday, the department said around 70,000 members were affected, including 28,000 who had already received dental care as of October 3.
The problem came from an error in how income was calculated when determining eligibility. Health Canada began notifying affected members on October 17.
Those impacted will not have to repay any money for care received or for incorrect co-payment amounts before October 24.
Health Canada is encouraging members to create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to stay updated on their coverage and any future changes.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, launched in December 2023, helps uninsured Canadians who struggle to afford dental care.
Earlier this year, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) raised concerns about issues in the plan, saying they made it harder for dentists to provide effective care. The CDA also warned that some employers might cut private dental benefits now that the national program exists.
So far, more than 5.5 million Canadians have signed up for the CDCP, and over three million have already received care. On average, the plan saves recipients about $800 per year.
