Access to dental care and affordable prescription drugs are being expanded for vulnerable seniors.
In a release from Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, the Ontario government is updating the income eligibility thresholds of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, as well as the Seniors Co-Payment Program, allowing residents to gain access to dental care and prescription medications.
Starting August 1st, the thresholds will be expanded to:
-single Ontarians aged 65 and over, from $19,300 to $22,200
-couples with combined annual income from $32,300 to $37,000
The releases notes this chance will assist about 7,000 more seniors across the province to access the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, and give 17,000 more seniors the ability to use the Seniors Co-Payment program in 2021-22.
Walker says, “this is great news for seniors in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. I’m happy to see the eligibility thresholds for these two programs increasing to ensure even more low-income seniors have access to free routine dental care and affordable prescriptions.”
For those who are now eligible for the new Seniors Co-Payment Program, they are encouraged to apply now in advance and those that do so, will ensure they receive the reduction in their drug deductible and co-payment on time in order to minimize out of pocket payments.
Note once you send in your application, the eligibility will be assess to confirm the enrollment.