In 2022, the federal government proposed the CDCP with the intention of easing monetary barriers to dental care for eligible Canadian residents. This plan is not just a promise for a healthier future, but a step towards a Canada where quality dental care is accessible to all. With the CDCP set to roll out and become available to Canadians soon, it’s crucial that you’re familiar with what it brings to the table.

So, fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the world of CDCP and how it affects your family’s dental care.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government initiative aimed at providing dental coverage for Canadians who do not have private dental benefits and earn a household income of less than $90,000 a year. It’s a significant shift towards making dental care more financially accessible, especially for those who have previously found the cost to be a barrier.

The CDCP is set to officially kickstart in May 2024. Though the coverage start date will be different for each person, the phasing in of this plan aims to ensure a certain degree of fairness and efficiency.

Once enrolled, patients will be required to make a co-payment, which is a personal contribution towards the cost of their dental care. However, it’s important to remember that the CDCP is a government dental benefit, not a free dental program, so there might be some out-of-pocket expenses.

The implementation of the CDCP signifies a notable shift in the landscape of Canadian healthcare, bringing us closer to bridging the gap between oral health and overall health.

Eligibility for the CDCP

So, who benefits from the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? What does it mean to not have access to dental insurance? The answers to these questions are central to understanding whether your family qualifies for the plan.

Essentially, the CDCP is designed for Canadian residents who do not have private dental benefits.

Now, this could mean that you don’t have dental insurance through your employer or through a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts. It could also mean that you don’t have dental coverage available through your pension or a family member’s pension benefits, or that you haven’t purchased dental insurance for yourself or your family.

However, the CDCP comes with a financial eligibility requirement as well.

The program targets families with a household income of less than $90,000 per year. But don’t get discouraged if your family income falls slightly above this range because there are provisions within the plan for co-payments, which means that even if you earn a bit more, you can still access the benefits of CDCP with a reasonable contribution towards the cost of the dental care.

In addition to these, you should be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and must have filed your tax return in the previous year. It’s also important to mention that even if you have dental coverage through provincial, territorial, or other federal government social programs, you can still qualify for the CDCP, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria.

 

How to Apply for the CDCP

Applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will open in phases, as the Canadian government understands the importance of a smooth rollout process. The plan is to start with seniors and gradually move to other age groups and conditions.

If you are aged 65 to 69 or if you’re an adult with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, you can apply starting June 2024. The same applies if you have children under the age of 18. All remaining eligible Canadian residents can apply starting in 2025.

You might wonder, how do I know when to apply? The federal government started sending out letters to eligible seniors from December 2023 with instructions on how to apply. If you’re a senior over 70 years of age and have received a letter inviting you to apply for the CDCP, it’s crucial to keep in mind that your personal application code will expire on April 30, 2024.

For those eligible to apply starting in May 2024, you will be able to do so online. More information on the online application will be available closer to the date.

If applying online isn’t your cup of tea, you also have the option to apply via telephone.

Coverage under the CDCP

Alright, now that you know about the eligibility and application process, you may be wondering: what exactly does the CDCP cover? The answer is: a lot.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers a broad spectrum of dental services, aiming to cater to a wide range of oral health care needs for eligible Canadians. The coverage under the CDCP is categorized into three levels—preventive services, minor restorative services, and major restorative services.

Preventive services are measures taken to avert oral diseases before they start. These include routine check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and X-rays. It’s essential to note that preventive services are fully covered under the CDCP—no exceptions.

Minor restorative services are treatments for basic oral health concerns. These include fillings, root canals, extractions, and periodontal scaling. The CDCP covers 70% of these services, meaning you’ll only need to worry about a 30% co-payment.

Finally, major restorative services encompass more complex dental procedures. These include crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic services. For these services, the CDCP covers 50% of the cost. This means you’ll have to handle a 50% co-payment.

Now, let’s talk about preauthorization.

This term might sound intimidating, but all it means is getting an estimate from your dentist, then submitting it to the CDCP before you have any major restorative work done. This provides you with an understanding of how much the CDCP will cover and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket. It allows you to plan and avoid any unexpected costs.

Financial Implications of the CDCP

The financial implications of the CDCP are another significant aspect you need to understand. The government designed the CDCP to significantly reduce the burden of dental expenses for eligible Canadians, but it’s essential to know it’s not entirely free.

As mentioned before, the CDCP operates on a co-payment system. This means that you, as the patient, will contribute to the cost of your dental services. The percentage of coverage the CDCP provides depends on the type of service — preventive, minor restorative, or major restorative. You’ll need to cover the remaining costs.

But don’t fret, even with the co-payment system, the CDCP can significantly decrease your out-of-pocket expenses for dental services.

If you consider a scenario where a dental procedure costs $200, under the CDCP with a 70% coverage rate, you would only pay $60 out-of-pocket. That’s a considerable reduction compared to what you might have to pay without dental coverage. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that the CDCP has an annual maximum of $1,000 per person for preventive and minor restorative services and an overall lifetime maximum of $5,000 per person for major restorative services. These caps ensure that the CDCP is a sustainable program that can continue to provide dental benefits to eligible Canadians for years to come.

Impact of the CDCP on existing dental coverage

As the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) represents a significant shift in the dental landscape of Canada, it raises questions for those who already have dental coverage through work, school, or other government dental programs.

How does the CDCP interact with these existing coverages? Does one override the other? Let’s break it down.

If you have existing dental coverage through your work or school, it doesn’t invalidate your eligibility for the CDCP – provided you meet all other eligibility criteria. However, the CDCP operates as the payer of last resort. This means that your private insurance would be billed first for any dental services received, and the CDCP would only cover the balance up to their percentage of coverage.

For example, if you have a dental procedure that costs $200, and your private insurance covers 50% ($100), the CDCP could cover up to 70% of the remaining $100, depending on the type of service.

For those using other government dental programs, similar rules apply. The CDCP would cover the balance of the cost after the payment from your government dental program, up to their percentage of coverage. This approach ensures that resources are distributed efficiently, helping more Canadians access affordable dental care.

For more information about CDCP click here.

 

Closing Thoughts

There you have it! You have now been introduced to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, its benefits, eligibility requirements, coverage details, and financial implications. It’s all about making sure you and your family can access affordable dental care, no matter your income level or existing coverage.

As with any new government initiative, understanding the finer details of the CDCP is crucial. It ensures that you’re well equipped to take full advantage of the plan and secure the dental benefits you’re entitled to.

Remember, the health of your teeth and gums is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Don’t let financial barriers keep you from accessing the dental care you need.

While the CDCP is a significant step towards making dental care more affordable, remember that it’s not a reason to delay necessary dental treatments or checkups. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.

So, even if your CDCP coverage hasn’t kicked in yet, don’t put off taking care of your oral health.