Posted November 2, 2024, 4:00 PM. Last Updated November 2, 2024, 4:05 PM.
Starting today, the federal dental plan has expanded its coverage to include more complex dental procedures. This change allows patients to access pre-authorized services such as partial dentures, crowns, and treatments requiring anesthesia.
Federal officials announced these updates at Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) Dental School on Friday. Citizens’ Services Minister Terry Beech emphasized that each patient will be evaluated individually based on their medical needs.
Currently, the program covers individuals under 18 years old, seniors over 65, and those with registered disabilities. Next year, the plan aims to extend coverage to all Canadian families with a household income below $90,000. This expansion is expected to add approximately 4.1 million people to the program.
In a significant move toward inclusivity, the federal dental plan will now accept paper billing. This change will enable patients to receive care from dentists who do not utilize electronic billing systems.
“We want everyone to participate in the program,” Beech stated. “This will allow more providers to join so that Canadians can access the dental care they need and deserve from anywhere in Canada.”
Currently, about 10 percent of dental care providers are not yet participating in the federal program.
Ajay Patel, president of VCC, noted that increasing access to public dental care aligns with both the school’s and the federal government’s priorities. “The increased access to dental care will benefit individuals and families while also providing valuable learning experiences for our students,” Patel added.
The estimated annual cost of the program is around $4.5 billion.
Key Changes in Coverage
Expanded Services: The federal dental plan now covers complex procedures including crowns and partial dentures.
Paper Billing: Patients can now use paper claims, allowing more dentists to participate in the program.
Future Expansion: In 2025, eligibility will broaden significantly to cover more Canadians.
This expansion of the federal dental plan marks a crucial step towards improving access to essential dental care for millions of Canadians.
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