:format(jpeg)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tgam/K3ZUDIGDWFM55FMFHJ6IHCVTNU.JPG "Ottawa awards -million contract to Solar Life to put groundwork for dental care program")
Ottawa awards $15-million contract to Solar Life to put groundwork for dental care program
:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tgam/K3ZUDIGDWFM55FMFHJ6IHCVTNU.JPG "Ottawa awards -million contract to Solar Life to put groundwork for dental care program")
Federal Well being Minister Mark Holland, in Ottawa.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
The federal authorities has awarded a contract price as much as $15-million to put the groundwork for a brand new nationwide dental insurance coverage plan.
The brand new plan, which was a key demand from the NDP as a part of its provide and confidence settlement with the governing Liberals, will change the interim dental profit for teenagers rolled out final yr.
Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Well being Minister Mark Holland introduced Wednesday the primary contract for the brand new program was awarded to Solar Life Assurance Firm of Canada.
This preliminary contract is to cowl setup prices whereas the ultimate contract for the plan itself is negotiated. Preliminary prices embrace recruitment, know-how and enterprise planning.
The federal authorities says this interim settlement will permit for the “well timed launch and profitable operation” of the plan.
“The principle contract is anticipated to be awarded in fall 2023, pending Authorities of Canada approval,” a information launch stated.
In 2022 the Liberals delivered on a brief dental profit price as much as $650 for every youngster underneath 12, relying on household earnings. Final spring the federal government stated 300,000 kids had already acquired the profit to assist cowl dental charges.
The NDP has pushed for dental care protection for years and made it a deal breaker in negotiations with the Liberals in alternate for NDP assist on key votes within the minority Parliament.
The brand new insurance coverage program is anticipated to launch later this yr with preliminary protection for teenagers underneath the age of 18, folks with disabilities and seniors.
The spring finances promised $13-billion over the subsequent 5 years to implement the nationwide dental care plan, which the federal authorities says will insure as much as 9 million folks.
Households with internet annual incomes beneath $90,000 shall be coated by the plan, whereas these with incomes beneath $70,000 can have dental protection with no copays.
