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Dec 11, 2023 5:31 PM - The Canadian Press

Seniors over 87 can apply to join federal dental plan starting next week

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The program is for people with an annual household income under 90-thousand dollars who don't have access to private insurance. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Ottawa announced today that seniors over the age of 87 will be the first cohort that can apply to join a new federal dental-benefits plan, which will be phased in slowly over the next year.

Health Minister Mark Holland announced the rollout of the program this morning, and it is budgeted to cost 13 billion dollars over the next five years.

The program is for people with an annual household income under 90-thousand dollars who don't have access to private insurance.

Eligibility will be slowly expanded over the course of 2024 to include all qualifying seniors, children under the age of 18 and people with disabilities.

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