Eligibility thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program have been updated to allow more seniors to have access to dental care and affordable prescription medications, according to a government news release.
“Expanding access to these programs to even more low-income seniors builds on our government’s ongoing efforts to protect hospital capacity and will help improve the quality of life and well-being of low-income seniors,” said Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
In 2019, the Ontario government launched the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program to provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province. The Seniors Co-Payment Program enables low-income seniors to access the medication they need with no annual deductible and a reduced co-payment for each prescription.
Starting Aug. 1, eligibility thresholds for both programs will be updated to reflect the cost of living increases in Ontario and align with income support programs for seniors. Income thresholds will be updated for single Ontarians aged 65 and over, from $19,300 to $22,200, and for couples with a combined annual income, from $32,300 to $37,100.
This will allow approximately 7,000 more seniors to access the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and 17,000 more seniors to access the Seniors Co-Payment Program in 2021-22.
For the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, eligible seniors can apply at any time online, downloading and printing the application form or by picking one up at their local public health unit. The form can be submitted online or by mail. For their application to be assessed under the new income thresholds, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program can apply beginning July 1.
