Canada's dental care program expands June 27 to cover children, people with disabilities

Children under 18and people with disabilities will be eligible for the federal government's dental plan starting June 27, federal ministers said Monday.

Minister of Citizens' Services Terry Beech announced the date, adding the newly eligible group accounts for 1.2 million additional Canadians who will be able to access the program.

The government previously said that group would be eligible sometime in June, but had not provided an exact date.

WATCH |Canadian Dental Care Plan available to those under 18 on June 27, says citizens' services minister

Canadian Dental Care Plan available to those under 18 on June 27, says citizens' services minister

3 months ago

Duration 0:40

Terry Beech, minister of citizens services, also announced that people with disabilities will be able to access the plan.

The government isexpanding theCanadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) gradually. Starting May 1, coverage began for seniors 70 and older, and applications opened up for those aged 65 to 69.

Health Minister Mark Holland said Monday that more than 10,500 providers have signed up for the program, and more thantwo million seniors have been deemed eligible for coverage.

The massive public oral health-care insurance programeventually will cover one quarter of Canadian residentswho don't haveprivate dental plans, at a cost of $13 billionover the next five years.

Canadians aged 18 to 64 will be allowed to apply in January 2025.