Things to Keep in Mind Concerning the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Although an agreement with the Québec government has yet to be reached, the federal government has begun to roll out the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Although you may be eligible and already enrolled in the Plan, Réseau FADOQ wants to issue some clarifications to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
The first group of people eligible for the CDCP will be able to communicate with an oral health care provider, such as a dental clinic, as early as May 2024. Before July 7, when you make an appointment with a provider, make sure that the provider is participating in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. An online search tool is available on the website of Sun Life, which manages the CDCP program for the Government of Canada, to help you find a provider.
As of July 8, if the provider agrees to bill Sun Life directly for a refund, you can see the provider of your choice. Persons covered under the Plan should only ever pay for expenses that the Plan does not reimburse.
Also keep in mind the date your coverage goes into effect. Appointments can only take place on or after this date.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan pays for oral health care services covered by the Plan based on the fees it has determined. If these rates differ from those of the provider, people covered under the Plan may have to pay additional fees directly to their oral health care provider. Moreover, depending on your adjusted net family income, you may have to pay a portion of the cost.
Please note that Plan customers are never required to pay the full amount of covered expenses to the provider, only what is not covered under the Plan. No reimbursements will be made directly to individuals.
For more information on care and amounts covered, visit the Service Canada website.
How do I check my eligibility?
Reminder: to be eligible for the Plan, you must
- Not have access to private dental insurance
- Have an adjusted family net income of under $90,000
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed a tax return for the previous year
Applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan are being opened in phases. Letters containing a personalized registration code and instructions on how to apply have already been sent to all eligible people aged 70 and over. The code for completing registration via the automated telephone system is valid until April 30. Thereafter, registrations will be made online, as will be the case for those aged 65 and over from May onwards. Details of online registration will be announced in early May.
If your eligibility is confirmed, Sun Life will then send you a welcome kit that includes:
- Information about the CDCP
- Your member card
- The start date of your coverage
If you are concerned about the legitimacy of any communication related to the Canadian Dental Care Plan or if you have general questions, you can contact Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262). You can also visit the Plan’s Website for more details.
