Qualification Requirements:
Eligibility for the CDCP is determined based on several criteria. Currently the program is expanding to seniors, children under 18 and people with disabilities. Eventually all Canadians who meet the following criteria will qualify:
- Lack of access to private dental insurance. (we do have access through TPP)
- Adjusted family net income below $90,000. Do you qualify – Canada.ca
- Canadian residency for tax purposes.
- Having filed a tax return in the previous year.
Application Process:
Applications will open in phases, starting with seniors aged 87 and above in December 2023, followed by other age groups through mid-2024. Eligible individuals 70+ will receive a letter with an application code and instructions. Online applications for other groups will be available from May 2024. Some services will only become available in fall 2024.
Refer to www.Canada.ca/Dental for more information as time progresses. It will be the most up-to-date source of information on the application process. Issues not yet resolved:
1. Dentists have not yet been signed up for the programme nor agreed to the governments CDCP fees as government is waiting to see how many people signup.
2. It says only those that lack access through their pension or employer are eligible. “You’re still considered to have access to dental insurance even if you choose to opt out of available benefits…” Quoted from government dental plan. TPP has written the government to state that our dental plan is not subsidized and that the average TPP pension is $33,000. More than 43% of members do not access the dental plan they offer, but presently we do not qualify. TPP asks to change the eligibility criteria.
There are many more questions still to be answered.
Recommendations:
1. Presently we are not eligible based on their criteria, but hopefully the TPP and other organizations’ concerns will make a difference. You would not be penalized for applying.
2. Do not cancel your current dental plan as the CRA know you are on a TPP pension that offers a dental plan and we do not meet the eligibility requirements.
