2023-06-27 21:07:39
Already holders of a provincial program of dental care for children, Quebecers are among those who receive the least money under the new dental care program of the federal government, even if they pay their full portion.
Since the introduction of the federal program in the fall and until April 27, 271,790 children under the age of twelve in Canada have received assistance from Ottawa for dental care, for a total of 167, $5 million.
The figures, obtained by the NDP, show, however, that Quebec received only 16% of the total amount paid, or just over $27 million, while nearly 23% of the children in this group live there. age in the country.
“That’s the paradox: as much as it is important for Quebecers to have dental care, as much as Quebecers end up paying double for care that will not be reimbursed to them,” commented Jean-Denis Garon. , finance critic for the Bloc Québécois.
Quebec already has a dental plan that covers a range of services for children under ten, including an annual exam, x-rays and fillings.
“What that means is that Quebec parents are subsidizing care for Ontarians, for Manitobans, for Albertans, who have provincial governments that are not progressive,” continued Mr. Garon. .
The Bloc Québécois is demanding compensation for Quebec that would be used to improve the existing Quebec plan, in particular by increasing the eligibility threshold for children aged 10 and 11.
Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, in addition to the three territories, are in a similar situation: with a provincial plan in place, they receive a lower amount than the average of other provinces.
Manitoba receives the largest per capita amount, $5.77 per person.
Working like insurance, Quebec parents can claim a refund directly at the point of service and can leave without paying a bill.
The federal program works differently: parents must pay for the service first, then apply for the benefit in Ottawa through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which handles the reimbursement.
However, this way of operating should only be temporary, before the establishment of a more complete program within two years, under the agreement between the NDP and the Liberals.
The program will soon be extended to children under 18, the elderly and people with disabilities. Currently, only households making less than $90,000 per year are entitled to benefits of $260, $390 or $650 depending on family income.
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