A new provincial dental program is set to assist low-income seniors in Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit officials said in a media release at least two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance.
The new OSDCP will support Ontario’s seniors by increasing funding for dental services in public health units, community health centres, Aboriginal health access centres, and investing in new dental services for underserviced areas and mobile dental buses.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has provided more details about the program.
Eligibility and enrolment
Ontarians aged 65 and over with a net income of $19,300 or less or a couple with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less, and without existing dental benefits, will qualify for the OSDCP.
The application process can be hard-copy or online.
Financial eligibility is verified through Revenue Canada, or the applicant applies with a guarantor.
Accerta will be the program administrator, with responsibility for client enrolment and renewal, and contact centre customer services.
Eligible seniors will receive a welcome package and dental card, similar to HSO.
Resources
CK Public Health staff will assist with navigating the application process and available services once they become available.
Brochures, posters, fact sheets and the application form is available through ontario.ca/seniorsdental and through CK Public Health, directly.
Apply online at https://seniors.accerta.ca/application/en
How will seniors’ financial eligibility be determined?
Eligibility for the OSDCP will be evaluated by the Ministry of Finance based on information obtained from Line 236 (net income) of the individual tax return form.
Net income (line 236) measures the sum of all income potentially subject to tax, including but not limited to employment income, investment income, pension income (including CPP), and government social support payments (e.g., OAS, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Social Assistance) less non-discretionary expenses associated with earning income (e.g., union dues, professional fees) and pension contributions (e.g., RRSP contributions or contributions to a Registered Pension Plan).
What dental services will be covered under this program?
Publicly funded dental services covered under this program will be consistent with the comprehensive range of services provided under the Ministry of Children and Community Social Services (MCCSS) Schedule of Dental Services and Fees which includes the following:
– Examinations/assessments
– Preventive services
– Restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities
– X-rays
– Oral surgery services to remove teeth or abnormal tissue
– Anaesthesia
– Endodontic services to treat infection and pain
– Periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases.
– Prosthodontic services, including dentures, will be partially
“CK Public Health is awaiting resources to be able to deliver services using a triaged system,” Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit officials say.
“Eligible CK residents will be able to book an appointment with any Public Health Unit across the province, and are not required to wait until their local clinic is able to take on clients.”
Residents with additional questions are asked to visit www.ckpublichealth.com/seniorsdental or email ckpublichealth@chatham-kent.ca
For specific questions about an application, call the Seniors Dental Client Care Line at 1-833-207-4435 or 1-800-855-0511.
