Health and Community Services
May 19, 2015
Supporting Health and Well-Being
Provincial Government Increases Dental Support for Low-Income Families
People with low income in Newfoundland and Labrador will now benefit from
increased annual dental support caps for dental services and dentures.
Effective July 2, 2015, under the Adult Dental Program, the annual cap for
basic dental services will be increased from $200 to $300 and the annual cap
for dentures will increase from $750 to $1,500.
"We continue to make
strategic decisions as part of our five-year plan to ensure our health care
system is sustainable, effective and delivers services when and where they
are needed. By increasing these annual caps for dental services and
dentures, we have made an important decision that will have a positive
impact on the well-being of many who require additional support in achieving
better oral health. Now more than ever it is important that we ensure we are
spending wisely and getting better value for money with a health care system
that is focused on improved outcomes for patients throughout the province."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and
Community Services
To be eligible for these supports, residents must
be enrolled in the Foundation Plan, the Access Plan, or the 65Plus Plan
under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP). The
current pre-approval processes for accessing dentures will remain the same.
There is no pre-approval for basic services; however, eligible residents and
dental providers can seek additional information and check balances
remaining under the cap by calling toll-free 1-800-440-4405.
"Newfoundland and Labrador has a Dental Health Plan that is considered to be
one of the best and most comprehensive publicly-funded dental plans in
Canada. We provide access to publicly-funded dental services to over 180,000
children, youth and adults in this province. We continue to work in
consultation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association and the
Denturist Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize the number of
beneficiaries able to access services under an effective and sustainable
system."
- Minister Kent
More information on coverage and how to
apply is also available on the NLPDP web page at
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/prescription/index.html.
This
initiative represents a Provincial Government investment of $5.7 million for
the Adult Dental Program. Budget 2015 also supports Newfoundland and
Labrador's more vulnerable people with an investment of $2.6 million to
implement new drug therapies under the NLPDP.
QUICK FACTS
- People with low income in Newfoundland and Labrador will now benefit from increased annual dental support caps for dental services and dentures.
- Effective July 2, 2015, under the Adult Dental Program, the annual cap for basic dental services will be increased from $200 to $300 and the annual cap for dentures will increase from $750 to $1,500.
- To be eligible for these supports, residents must be enrolled in the Foundation Plan, the Access Plan, or the 65Plus Plan under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
- Eligible residents and dental providers can seek additional information and check balances remaining under the cap by calling toll-free 1-800-440-4405, or visiting the NLPDP web page at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/prescription/index.html.
- This initiative represents a Provincial Government investment of $5.7 million. Budget 2015 also supports Newfoundland and Labrador's more vulnerable people with an investment of $2.6 million to implement new drug therapies under the NLPDP.
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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
2015 05 19 5:15 p.m.