OntElx43: Horwath and the NDP pitch an Ontario Dental Plan on Day 3

The Ontario NDP under Leader Andrea Horwath is pledging to bring in their own Dental Plan, which will mean free or low-cost dental care for all low- and middle-income families.

“We all want what’s best for our families — including regular check-ups at the dentist. But the cost of living is making that harder,” said Horwath.

“People are racking up credit card bills to get the dental care they need. Parents sometimes make the heartbreaking decision to put off getting their kid’s cavity filled because it’s not in the budget. Dental care is health care — so why is it costing people so much? With the NDP, you’ll be covered.”

The proposed Ontario Dental Plan will, according to the NDP, save a family of four $1,240 every year just on basic checkups and a cavity. If both kids need braces, the Ontario NDP plan could save them over $13,000.

The plan will cover all uninsured low- and middle-income families for dental care. Ontario households earning less than $90,000 will pay nothing. Ontarians with a household income between $90,000 and $200,000 will pay a co-pay, on a sliding scale that goes no higher than 50 per cent of the dentist’s bill.

An Ontario NDP government will invest $680 million in 2022-23, which will be added to committed federal dollars. When full, annualized federal funding flows, Ontario will maintain the program with a $380 million annual investment.

That plan meshes with and expands on the coverage funded by an anticipated federal plan. When dollars for that begin flowing, the federal government will contribute part of the cost for households earning less than $90,000.