The Yukon's Dental Program launches today, providing $1,300 per year in dental benefits to Yukoners without dental coverage. Up to 8,000 Yukoners will benefit from the program.
The program will cover dental treatments necessary to relieve pain and infection, prevent disease, treat cavities and restore chewing and social function. It will also offer full coverage for preventive care, such as routine dental cleaning.
To be eligible for the program, the applicant’s gross income must be $60,000 or less for individuals and $90,000 or less for individuals with two children. The threshold will increase progressively with family size. Yukoners must also be enrolled in the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan and not be eligible for dental coverage under any other insurance program, plan or group. Yukoners eligible for the Pharmacare and Extended Health Care Benefits programs, and who apply and meet the income threshold, could receive a top-up of $600 each year. Children are also eligible for the program if their caregivers meet the income threshold and they are not eligible for the Yukon Children's Dental Program.
The Yukon Dental Program was a recommendation in the Putting People First report and a commitment made in the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Yukon New Democratic Party Caucus.
Yukoners can visit Yukon.ca/dentalprogram to apply and learn more. They can also email dentalprogram@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5209. Applicants will need to provide proof of income through either a Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada or a letter from social assistance.
Dental care should be accessible to all Yukoners and the new Yukon Dental Program will improve the lives of many Yukoners by providing them with the care they need when they need it. This program will help close a gap in service and is an example of our deep commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing inequities. Thank you to all dental care providers for delivering high quality services to Yukoners, and I look forward to the integration of this new program as it takes us another step forward in our journey to transform health services for Yukoners and implement the Putting People First report.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
We're excited to see this program finally roll out. The NDP has always believed that dental care is healthcare – and it should be accessible for everyone. We've supported Yukoners from all walks of life to be able to access the dental care they've needed and it's due in large part to the tenacity of these folks that this program is now in place. We thank them for not only advocating for themselves, but for everyone. Now, thousands of Yukoners will have the coverage they need for basic healthcare. This program is an important step towards universal dental care for all.
Leader of the Yukon New Democratic Party Kate White
The Government of Yukon has committed $1.8 million towards the Yukon Dental Program in the fiscal year 2022–23.
The Yukon Dental Program will be administered by Pacific Blue Cross, a third-party insurance company that will make submissions to the program for payment for services.
Clients should expect to pay nothing upfront until they have reached their annual limit.
Coverage will end on June 30 each year. Applications are required annually.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Ken Hegan
Communications, Health and Social Services
778-238-7778
ken.hegan@yukon.ca
Saba Javed
Legislative Assistant, Yukon NDP Caucus
867-393-7050
saba.javed@yla.gov.yk.ca