Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), Refugee Plan (IFHP) and First Nations Plan (NIHB)
The Canadian government offers essential services to support residents with dental, medical, and vision expenses, ensuring that all Canadians, especially those without coverage, have equal access to these essential benefits. By taking a proactive approach to healthcare, individuals can enjoy longer, healthier lives, receive necessary care, and obtain early diagnoses.
Through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Canadians with a household income below $90,000 and without coverage can receive the necessary assistance. The Refugee Plan provides support for individuals seeking asylum or those who are new to Canada.
Additionally, the First Nations Plan ensures that the Indigenous community has access to healthcare services, addressing critical needs that may not be met on reserves and covering other associated costs.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The CDCP is a federal government program designed to decrease financial obstacles to receiving oral care for Canadians without dental plans. It provides dental care subsidies for Canadian residents without dental benefits and a household income under $90,000 annually.
Eligibility
To qualify to receive the CDCP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You do not have any dental insurance through your/a family member’s employment benefits (includes wellness and health accounts, student/professional organization, pension benefits, and coverage bought by a family member/yourself or through group plans from a benefits or insurance company).
- You have an adjusted family income of under $90,000. Adjusted family income is calculated using your family net income (line 23600 on your and your spouse’s tax return) minus UCCB and RDSP income (lines 11700 and 12500).
- You must be a Canadian Resident.
- You filed your previous year’s tax return.
Individuals must meet all criteria to qualify for CDCP.
Covered Services
For some individuals, they won’t receive coverage for the complete cost of their appointment. Depending on your family income, you may be required to pay a percentage of your expenses. The federal government pays a portion of your CDCP fees, and the individual is responsible for co-payments (additional charges).
Covered services include:
- Basic Services
- Diagnostic and Preventative Services
- Major Services
- Anesthesia or Sedation
- Orthodontic
Individuals can find specific coverage information here.
How to Apply
The Canadian Dental Care Plan opens in phases. Before applying for the plan, ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements. Children under 18, adults with valid Disability Tax Credit Certificates, and seniors 65 plus can now apply. All other eligible individuals can apply in 2025.
To apply online, you need your social insurance number, full name, date of birth, home/mailing address, a list of dental coverage through a government social program (if it is applicable), and you/your (common-law) spouse must have filed your previous year’s tax return and received your Notice of Assessment.
If you cannot apply online, call 833-537-4342 and apply by phone.
Refugee Plan (IFHP)
The IFHP plan is for those resettling in Canada who can claim eligibility under Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot or as refugees. IFHP covers some pre-departure medical services like:
- Vaccinations
- Immigration medical exams/follow-up treatments of health conditions making a person inadmissible under paragraph 38(1)(a) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Specified health measures during disease outbreaks
- Medical support required for safe travel
Eligibility
The refugee plan contains temporary, limited health-care coverage to:
- Resettled refugees
- In-Canada-protected people
- Refugee claimants
- Specified other groups
IFHP will not cover products/healthcare services claimed under private or public health insurance or if you coordinate benefits with other insurance programs or plans.
Covered Services
Basic coverage includes:
- Out-patient and in-patient hospital care
- Services received from registered nurses, doctors, and other licensed healthcare professionals in Canada are covered, including pre/postnatal care
- Diagnostic, ambulance, and laboratory services
Supplemental coverage includes:
- Home care/long-term care
- Limited vision/urgent dental care
- Services include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, counselling, speech-language, occupational, and physiotherapists
- Assistive devices, equipment and medical supplies (mobility aids, orthopedic/prosthetic equipment, hearing aids, incontinence supplies, diabetic supplies, and oxygen equipment).
Prescription drug coverage is available for products/medications listed on your territorial or provincial public drug plan.
Coverage for Immigration Medical Exam:
- Basic coverage
- Supplemental coverage
- Dental Benefit Grid outside of Quebec
- Prescription drug coverage
- IME and IME test
- Dental Benefit Grid Quebec
The full IME benefit grid coverage can be found here.
How to Access Services
Those who are qualified don’t need to apply for the IFHP. Immigration status determines eligibility, and coverage is automatically cancelled or activated. People may have to apply if they think they are eligible, but their claims are rejected.
To access services, you must:
- Prepare an application
- Submit your application by mail or online
First Nations Plan (NIHB)
The NIHB provides eligible Inuit and First Nations people coverage for health benefits not covered through private insurance, social programs, or territorial/provincial health insurance.
Eligibility
Eligible individuals include Canadian residents and one of the following criteria:
- First Nation individuals registered under the Indian Act
- Inuk recognized by the Inuit land claim organization (outlined in this program)
- Children under two years of age of an NIHB-eligible parent
Covered Services
The First Nations Plan covers:
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Mental health counselling
- Prescription drugs/certain over-the-counter products
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medical transportation for required health services not present on the reserve or community of residence.
How to Access Services
Individuals must show their client identification to their provider for direct billing. Some providers directly bill through Express Scripts Canada. However, when a client is expected to pay, there is a client reimbursement process.
Benefits of CDCP, IFPH & NIHB
Improved Access to Care
These government programs improve people’s access to care they may not otherwise receive. Their purpose is to provide adequate medical and dental coverage for all Canadians, benefiting their overall well-being.
Health Outcomes
Improved health coverage has a positive impact on health outcomes by enabling early diagnosis and intervention before issues escalate. Canadians have made strides in enhancing their overall well-being by taking proactive steps in managing their health and dental care, contributing to healthier and more active lifestyles.
Numerous programs actively promote good nutrition and educate individuals about the advantages of proper oral hygiene, implementing preventive measures to support people in maintaining good health.
Community Support
Public Health Units (PHUs) are official health agencies created by rural and urban municipalities to establish efficient community health. Specially qualified and fully trained staff perform duties at PHUs.
In Ontario, there are 34 PHUs that contain dental clinics providing free dental services for infants, children, and teens. Some PHUs also offer services for adults and seniors, but not all do.
CDCP, IFPH & NIHB Benefits at Bristol Dental Clinic Mississauga
At Bristol Dental Clinic, we are proud to provide coverage under CDCP, IFPH, and NIHB benefits to ensure every Canadian has access to high-quality dental care.
With adequate coverage, Canadians can be proactive about their oral health, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. This coverage allows everyone to maintain a healthy smile, contributing to their overall well-being.
New patients can contact us at 866-673-2109 or 905-712-3409 for existing clientele. You can also email our office at info@bristoldental.ca or submit our online form.
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