WHITEHORSE – Following the first year since the launch of the Yukon Liberal Government’s dental program, the Yukon Liberal Caucus is reminding eligible residents to re-enroll in the program for 2023-24.
“Dental care is health care, and our Yukon Liberal government is committed to ensuring health care is accessible to all Yukoners. Introducing a dental program has been an important part of our government’s efforts to improve the territorial health care system, and was part of the recommendation 5.8 of our government’s Putting People First report,” said Health and Social Services Minister and MLA for Riverdale South Tracy-Anne McPhee.
The Yukon Dental Program has seen a steady uptake since it was introduced in January 2023, with 1,250 Yukoners approved to use the program during its successful first year.
The Yukon Dental Program is a publicly-funded dental plan introduced by the Yukon Liberal Government for Yukoners who do not have access to dental insurance through an extended benefits plan. To be eligible, Yukoners must be enrolled in the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan, not be eligible for dental coverage under another program, and have a gross income of less than $60,000 per year for singles or less than $90,000 for individuals with two children. Income thresholds are adjusted to family size. Approved individuals are eligible for up to $1,300 in dental coverage each year.
“Thanks to our government’s dental plan, 1,250 Yukoners have access to dental services like cleanings, exams, fillings, x-rays, tooth extractions, and dentures. The Yukon Dental Program was designed to not only provide dental care to individuals with ongoing concerns, but to provide preventative services so that fewer Yukoners experience dental and health issues long-term,” said Minister McPhee.
It’s unfortunate that the Yukon Party Caucus voted against the funding to provide dental services to low-income Yukoners, but voting against the health and wellbeing of Yukoners is something Yukoners have come to expect from Currie Dixon and the conservative opposition party.
As the second year of the Yukon Liberal Government’s dental program begins, the Yukon Liberal Caucus encourages individuals who think they may be eligible for coverage to submit an application.
Applications are available at Yukon.ca/dentalprogram.
QUICK FACTS
- Creating a public dental program for uninsured Yukoners was recommendation 5.8 of the Putting People First.
- The Yukon Dental Plan provides individuals with up to $1,300 in yearly benefits.
- On April 27, 2023, all members of the Yukon Party Caucus voted against an increase of $3.6 million for the Yukon Dental Program, which was included in Budget 2023-24.
