The federal government’s new dental insurance plan has yet to be introduced, but advocates are warning that the eligibility criteria for people with disabilities could be burdensome and may not include everyone who should have access to the program. The details of the insurance plan are expected to be announced this fall, with the goal of eventually providing dental benefits to qualifying children under 18, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
The Liberal party pledged in their supply-and-confidence agreement with the NDP that dental coverage would ultimately be offered to all individuals with a household income under $90,000 per year by the end of 2024. However, the government has not specified how individuals will be required to prove their disability in order to qualify for the insurance plan.
Typically, the government relies on the list of individuals who access the disability tax credit to determine eligibility for disability-related programs. However, this list is not always comprehensive and may not include those who could benefit most from the dental program, according to Rabia Khedr, the national director of Disability Without Poverty.
Many individuals with disabilities, especially those with low incomes, do not file their taxes, making it difficult for them to qualify or apply for the disability tax credit. Additionally, the application process for the credit can be complex, and some individuals may not have the resources to complete the necessary medical forms, as doctors may charge a fee for filling them out.
A study conducted by the University of Calgary in 2018 found that only 40% of working-age adults with qualifying disabilities were able to access the disability tax credit. The application process was a major barrier, as it was complex and costly for some individuals.
Health Minister Mark Holland did not provide any information on alternative eligibility options for the dental insurance program but expressed a desire for a frictionless process. NDP health critic Don Davies suggested that individuals receiving provincial disability support and falling under the income threshold should ideally qualify, but creating a system to accommodate this may take longer than one year.
Khedr emphasized the importance of making dental coverage as accessible as possible for people with disabilities, stating that it can be life-saving and significantly impact their quality of life and dignity. The Canadian Society for Disability & Oral Health highlighted the systemic and practical barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing oral health care, including insufficient funding and physical accessibility concerns.
In designing the dental plan, special consideration should be given to the unique oral health needs of individuals with disabilities, such as accommodating longer procedures. Davies acknowledged the temporary nature of the problem, as by the end of next year, anyone who meets the income requirements will qualify for the dental plan.
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