OHIP dental care for seniors 65+

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides access to free dental services to seniors aged 65 and over who meet the required income conditions and do not have dental benefits either through private insurance or other government programs.

Dental services covered under this program include:

• Examinations/assessments
• Preventive services (e.g., cleanings)
• Restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities
• X-rays
• Oral surgery services to remove teeth or abnormal tissue
• Anesthesia
• Endodontic services (root canals) to treat infections and pain
• Periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases

Prosthodontics services, including dentures, are also covered to a certain extent under the OSDCP.

Income eligibility

The income eligibility for the new OSDCP is based on a senior’s net income (line 236 from their income tax forms):

• an annual net income of $22,200 or less for a single senior
• a combined annual net income of $37,100 or less for a couple

Your annual income will be verified from your tax return by using your Social Insurance Number (SIN) that you will provide when you apply to the program.

Other eligibility requirements

You can apply for the program if you:

• are 65 years of age or older
• are a resident of Ontario
• meet the income requirements:
• have no other form of dental benefits, including private insurance or dental coverage under another government program such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits

Coverage period

Once you are enrolled in the program, your coverage period is for up to one year. Your coverage will end on July 31st every year, no matter when you enroll.

How to apply

Seniors can apply online or pick up a paper copy of the application form at their local public health unit’s office and send it by mail.

If you and your spouse or common-law partner is applying to the program, you must submit two separate applications.

Before you begin the online application, you need:

• your date of birth
• a valid Ontario address
• your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)
• to have filed your taxes last year

If you do not have a SIN or did not file taxes in the previous year, you may complete the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program application through guarantor form.

You have to mail your application to the following address:

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Station P, P.O. Box 159

Toronto, Ontario

M5S 2S7

After you apply

Once you have completed and submitted your application form, you will be contacted by phone and/or mail if there are any issues with your application or if your application is incomplete.

If your application is approved, you will receive a welcome package and dental card in the mail that will expire on July 31st.

The welcome package will tell you:

• how to access services
• where to book an appointment
• how to book an appointment
• what you need to bring to each appointment

You must present your card to your dental provider at each visit to receive services under the program.

Renew your yearly coverage

Every year, eligibility will be automatically verified for most clients to confirm enrolment for the next benefit period.

You will be notified by mail if you are eligible to keep participating in the program, or about how to re-apply to the program, if required.

You must reapply if:

• you applied using a guarantor
• you do not file taxes for the most recent tax years that your eligibility is being determined

Good news for Canadians!

The new dental care plan will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000, beginning in late 2023 in a phased approach starting with patients under age 18, seniors and people with disabilities.

Source:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/dental-care-low-income-seniors