Local Seniors Encouraged to Learn About New Program That Covers Costs of Certain Dental Services
A new program is available to Ontario seniors to help them better access dental care.
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) is a new publicly-funded dental care program for low-income seniors. The OSDCP can help ensure seniors get regular checkups, an important consideration when they have increased risk for dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer. At least two-thirds of low-income seniors do not have access to dental insurance.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is helping to promote the new OSDCP in this region. According to Health Unit estimates, approximately 4,000 seniors could be eligible for the OSDCP in Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
“Oral health has a direct impact on overall health,” says Pam Stuckless, Director of Health Promotion with the HKPR District Health Unit. “This new dental-support program will provide more seniors with access to the dental care they need to prevent more serious problems down the road.”
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the OSDCP, an Ontario senior aged 65 years and older must have annual income less than $19,300.
For couples, the combined income must be less than $32,300 per year.
Program applicants cannot have existing dental benefits.
What dental services are covered by the program?
Dental services will include preventive care and treatment services, such as fillings and extractions.
Where can seniors apply?
Seniors can visit www.ontario.ca/SeniorsDental to apply online or print off a hard-copy form. Forms will also be available online at Service Ontario (www.ontario.ca/forms).
Print copies of the application form will be available at Health Unit offices in Port Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton.
A provincial processing centre will review all application forms and notify seniors who qualify for the program.
Seniors who want more information or help to fill in applications can call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1247.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
