There will now be better dental health for nearly 98,000 adults in the province, after the province rolled out a new Adult Dental Program as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Health Plan.
The new plan came into effect Jan. 1, 2012.
The new Adult Dental Program encompasses examinations, extractions and fillings as well as dentures. This program will be available to clients who are enrolled in the following Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program plans: the Foundation Plan, which provides coverage to a number of individuals, including those in receipt of income support; the Access Plan, which provides support to low-income families and individuals; and, the 65+ Plan, which provides coverage to residents 65 years of age and older who receive Old Age Security benefits and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, according to a government press release on the topic.
Information packages on the Adult Dental Program have been sent to dentists and denturists throughout the province. The provincial government continues to work to address the current fee guide for dentures. Clients who choose a provider who has not yet been registered under the Dental Health Plan may have to pay upfront for their eligible services and will then be reimbursed by government at the approved rates.
“We recognize this may place a burden on some individuals,” said Health and Community Services Minister Susan Sullivan. “However, our government is working toward providing a solution that will hopefully see all providers participating in and billing the plan directly in the near future.
“Dental health is so often linked to an individual’s physical and mental well-being,” Sullivan. “The expansion of the Dental Health Plan will ensure that more residents of our province, who have difficulty availing of regular dental services, will now have the ability to access proper dental care.”
Residents with questions regarding their eligibility can call 1-888-859-3535. Beneficiaries seeking further information on eligible services and whether their provider is registered and/or how to submit receipts for reimbursement can call 1-800-563-2163.
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