Some federal retirees have contacted CBC, saying they’re considering dropping their private plan under the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) in favour of the national plan rolled out last year.
Frustration is brewing among approximately 325,000 federal retirees since the PDSP’s annual maximum coverage of $1,500 has remained unchanged since 2005. In contrast, the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP), which covers current employees, increased its annual benefit to $3,000 as of Jan. 1, up from $2,500. It is also set to rise to $3,250 in 2027.
“Where do we fit in? Why were we left out?” said Debbie Myers, a federal retiree, expressing her frustration. Myers told CBC she spent more than $13,000 on dental work over the past two years, forcing her to dip into her savings to cover the costs.
CARP: Inequities need to be addressed
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) currently requires an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 to qualify. As of July, the program expanded to include eligible seniors, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. Additional coverage is expected to roll out through 2025.
For the 2025 federal budget, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) recommended that the federal government address inequities and access issues for seniors. In a recent statement, CARP emphasized the need for immediate attention and resources to correct course and enhance the plan’s effectiveness.
The CDCP is impacting provincial and private dental plans. For example, Haliburton County’s health unit ended its provincial services under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) since seniors now have access to dental care through the CDCP.
Also, Myers and other pensioners argue that changes are urgently needed, given the financial burden of dental expenses and the growing disparity between their plan and those available to current employees.
