SAULT STE. MARIE -- Looking to fulfill a promise to Ontario voters, Premier Doug Ford made a funding announcement this week that affects low income seniors.
Under the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, those who qualify will receive free routine dental services.
It is a move that is being promoted as way to help eliminate hallway healthcare.
"With over $90 million, that’s over $90 million investment in a new Senior Dental Care Program that we’re putting forward. And that will bring dental care to over 100,000 seniors," said Ford.
News of the program was mostly well received at a senior's drop in centre in Sault Ste. Marie
"I think it’s a great idea. I know people who did not have dental care and are suffering because of it. Maybe now they’ll get the care that they need."
"Dental healthcare is very important. If you don’t have proper dental care, it can cause a lot of problems, diseases as a result of it. Low income seniors, if they can’t afford it, they simply won’t get the proper dental health care that they need."
"Well, for me I’ve been retired for 29 years. My pension is not going up, so would love to have it."
One senior did question who will be eligible to apply to the program.
"I am a low income senior, but I still don’t fall under it. I’m in the middle where I'm just above, but not quite below. So, therefore I don’t qualify for what they’re offering."
The program is for seniors, without dental benefits, aged 65 or over, with an income of $19,300 or less and couples with a combined annual income of $32,300 or less.
The provincial government estimates two thirds of low income seniors do not have access to dental insurance and says the new dental care program will be available through public health units, as well as participating community health centres and aboriginal health access centres.
