(OTTAWA) Quebec dentists are calling federal Health Minister Marc Hollande a “disgrace” if they charge more than what is provided for in the new federal dental bill, calling them “bad people who abuse people.” A “reasonable” maintenance plan.
“Put yourself in our place. It seems unfair to ask that our regular fee be paid.” […] “We are very annoyed by the minister's comments,” said D.R Carl Tremblay, in an interview with La Presse Canadienne.
DR Tremblay insisted that the fee recommended by his organization for dentists was not too greedy. “Our charges are fair and reasonable. They are established on the basis of what it costs a dentist to provide you with the service,” he argued.
The professional association estimates that approximately 70% of the billed amount is used for the costs of running the clinic and the rest goes to the dentist's wages. He also notes that the average income of Quebec dentists has declined in recent years as costs rise faster than list prices.
Minister Holland says the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) makes it “Canada's largest federal program.” Ultimately, nine million Canadians — roughly a quarter of the population — who lack private insurance and have low or moderate incomes will be covered.
The plan provides free care as long as the dentist follows federal payment guidelines and the patient's net family income is less than $70,000. Those with incomes between $70,000 and $90,000 must pay a 40% to 60% share of the cost. It is mandatory to file your income tax return.
“Disgusting” dentists
DR Tremblay also couldn't digest Minister Holland's comments that dentists were “negotiating” with Ottawa to get “the best deal for their members” and instead the government was seeking “the best deal for taxpayers.”
“What he's saying between the lines is that we ask the dentist to accept only what the plan will cover,” Dee sighed.R Trembling on the line. It asks us for charity. »
Dentists won't “subsidize” the program by offering discounts to eligible patients, he cautioned. In this case, it is completely wrong for them to try to negotiate the fee.
“We will continue to charge our regular prices,” D concludedR Trembling
Even if dentists are very supportive of a dental care plan, their president warns that if Ottawa doesn't “reframe” its message and “hate” them, many of them could unsubscribe from the plan. “That would be very unfortunate,” he said.
In Ottawa, Public Services and Procurement Minister and former health minister Jean-Yves Duclos argued that the federal government's proposed reimbursement was “too close” in “the vast majority of cases.” , usually “between 80% and 100%”.
He explained that the price scale developed by Ottawa is based on “utility of care” and, for example, preventive care is almost fully reimbursed because it has a “greater impact” on the health of the population.
Mr. Singh said the government did not ask dentists to give discounts to patients and he had no objection to patients being billed the difference between what they would normally ask and what they would normally charge. Duclos promised.
“This is how the current private programs work,” he said. In most cases, reimbursement from private programs […] About 80% and patients reimburse the rest directly to the dentist. »
But his colleague Holland rejected the idea that patients should pay their dentist and then be reimbursed by Ottawa, just like private insurers. He talked about the “red line” because it harms those who can't afford to pay out of pocket. This indicates that if a dentist refuses to register, his patient is likely to switch clinics.
Dentists are also “insulted” by Ottawa's desire to pre-authorize care, which they see as an attack on their professional judgment.
“We want to look over your shoulder because we don't trust you, […] We think you want to exaggerate,” explained DR Trembling
Many patients, few dentists
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday that fewer than 1.7 million seniors are enrolled in the federal dental care program. In Quebec, the program is particularly popular with over 576,000 registrations.
“This clearly shows that there is a very important need in Quebec,” observed Minister Duclos. One of the reasons explains this huge participation […] Seniors in Quebec have limited access to private health insurance plans, including dental care. »
For months, Ottawa has been expanding the age limits for Canadians invited to submit applications. It is now the turn of seniors aged 70 and over. In May, eligibility will be expanded to all ages 65 and older. Those under 18 and disabled will follow in the year. 18 to 64 year olds can register in 2025.
The first Canadians enrolled in the program will be able to get their teeth cleaned and treated in May, but only from an oral health provider who has signed up to provide care.
As for the number of registered dentists, independent health professionals and dentists, Ottawa refuses to disclose it, simply saying “thousands” in the country. However, according to the Canadian Dental Association, there are approximately 25,500 dentists authorized to practice in the country.
In Quebec, DR Tremblay calculated from public data provided by Sun Life, the company that administers the program — about 650 dentists are enrolled, the province has nearly 5,500, or roughly 12%.
And the distribution of dentists is far from equal across the region. Although there are many of them in the metropolis, there are none in Rouyn-Noranda, Val-d'Or, Sept-Îles or Rimouski.
Establishing a federal dental care program is one of the key elements of the support-and-confidence deal Justin Trudeau's Liberal government struck with the New Democrats, which must remain in power in exchange for its support during key votes. House of Commons.
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