Dental coverage on OHIP for seniors

[yalgar]

My parents are on PR and one of them will need to see a dentist
There seems to be a program meant for low income seniors for free dental coverage as long as they are low income
Qs: Is that applicable and worthy to apply for them? Does PGP sponsor income impact their eligibility?

 

[canvis2006]

No.. but there are some clinics around the city which provide dental services free for some people….try them or negotiate/pay cash!

 

[canuck78]

No.. but there are some clinics around the city which provide dental services free for some people….try them or negotiate/pay cash!

No practicing dentist provide free care. There is often an insurance rate and a non-insurance rate. You are supposed to be financially responsible for your parents. That was one of the requirements of the PGP program.

 

[Copingwithlife]

No.. but there are some clinics around the city which provide dental services free for some people….try them or negotiate/pay cash!

It’s not a market in a bazaar. I reached my cap in my benefits, you’re just charged the same amount your benefits would be charged , only difference, you pay.
I would never bargain for reduced rates from a professional who has paid a substantial amount of money to become skilled in their profession.
I’ll try it though with my periodontist
And from your posting history they just re arrived in Canada after being out for a substantial time

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-i...-meeting-residency-obligations-impact.768641/

 

[canuck78]

My parents are on PR and one of them will need to see a dentist
There seems to be a program meant for low income seniors for free dental coverage as long as they are low income
Qs: Is that applicable and worthy to apply for them? Does PGP sponsor income impact their eligibility?

It doesn’t seem like your parents qualify for OHIP because they only plan to stay for 4 months in Canada. That would mean they don’t qualify for any OHIP services.

 

[clydejs620]

Hi, OP! From what I know, Alberta offers dental assistance for seniors and is provided up to $5,000 of dental coverage, renewed every five years. You can check this page if you want more information on how to submit a dental claim and whether your parents are eligible.

 

[YVR123]

Hi, OP! From what I know, Alberta offers dental assistance for seniors and is provided up to $5,000 of dental coverage, renewed every five years. You can check scam site if you want more information on how to submit a dental claim and whether your parents are eligible.

OP asked about OHIP. That's for Ontario.

 

[Naturgrl]

OP asked about OHIP. That's for Ontario.

Responding to a scammer whose link goes to a unrelated site.

 

[YVR123]

Responding to a scammer whose link goes to a unrelated site.

oops I didn't pay attention. Update the qoute in my response to remove the link.

 

[canuck78]

Yeah, but one can always make a quick trip to Alberta if Alberta has relaxed rules for freeloaders.

I know this is a joke but in case others aren’t knowledgeable this isn’t possible. You need to be living in Alberta and meet the residency obligation to qualify for healthcare in Alberta to get access to the senior dental program.

 

[canuck78]

It’s not a market in a bazaar. I reached my cap in my benefits, you’re just charged the same amount your benefits would be charged , only difference, you pay.
I would never bargain for reduced rates from a professional who has paid a substantial amount of money to become skilled in their profession.
I’ll try it though with my periodontist
And from your posting history they just re arrived in Canada after being out for a substantial time

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-i...-meeting-residency-obligations-impact.768641/

I know this is from a long time ago but there is often a difference between the insurance and cash rate at dentists. The insurance rates are often an inflated rate reflecting the extra work involved with dealing with insurance companies by the dentist & organization negotiating reimbursement rates and also often a slight upcharge because it is not viewed as coming straight out of the pocket of the individual. Not all dentists have different rates but many do so always worth specifying if there is a different rate without insurance. We’re not talking free dental care but just slightly less expensive. Similar example if at a US health system. Rates/prices are often higher for both medical services and things like prescriptions for insurance holders than out of pocket. For some medications it is actually less expensive to pay out of pocket than use your health insurance. Same goes for many health services but you have to ask they can’t tell you.

 

[BienCanada]

I know this is from a long time ago but there is often a difference between the insurance and cash rate at dentists. The insurance rates are often an inflated rate reflecting the extra work involved with dealing with insurance companies by the dentist & organization negotiating reimbursement rates and also often a slight upcharge because it is not viewed as coming straight out of the pocket of the individual. Not all dentists have different rates but many do so always worth specifying if there is a different rate without insurance. We’re not talking free dental care but just slightly less expensive. Similar example if at a US health system. Rates/prices are often higher for both medical services and things like prescriptions for insurance holders than out of pocket. For some medications it is actually less expensive to pay out of pocket than use your health insurance. Same goes for many health services but you have to ask they can’t tell you.

I thought this program is meant for any Canadian tax resident 65 years or older:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

Understand there are a few conditions like having filed taxes in the prior year etc.

 

[canuck78]

I thought this program is meant for any Canadian tax resident 65 years or older:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

Understand there are a few conditions like having filed taxes in the prior year etc.

Not sure how this is related. We are discussing if there is a difference between cash rates and insurance rates for dental care. Still would applicable under services not covered under the new dental plan or if a patient can’t find a dentist or doesn’t want to change to one accepting the federal dental plan.

 

[BienCanada]

Not sure how this is related. We are discussing if there is a difference between cash rates and insurance rates for dental care. Still would applicable under services not covered under the new dental plan or if a patient can’t find a dentist or doesn’t want to change to one accepting the federal dental plan.

Just adding information regarding OP's original question and based on the title of the thread.
Have noticed off late talking to some friends that many are not even aware of these changes for seniors when it comes to dental coverage in Canada.