Canada’s Federal Retirees Face Dental Coverage Gap

Federal retirees are expressing frustration over significant disparities between their dental coverage and that of active federal employees, according to a recent CBC News report by Kimberley Molina. While current federal employees started 2025 with enhanced dental benefits including a $3,000 annual maximum, retirees remain limited to $1,500 in yearly coverage under a plan that hasn’t been updated since 2005.

Benefit Inequities Impact Retiree Health Decisions

The coverage gap has led some retirees to make difficult choices about their dental care. Dorothy Cushway, a former director of the National Association of Federal Retirees, noted that she’s observed concerning trends among her peers: “I’ve heard people … just don’t go to the dentist or they stretch it out over the following year. The odd person just gets the tooth pulled instead of having a crown. It’s less expensive.”

Financial Burden on Retired Public Servants

The impact of limited coverage has been substantial for some retirees. Former federal employee Debbie Myers reported spending over $13,000 on dental work in the past two years, with only $3,000 covered by her plan during that period. “I just can’t keep waiting for next year for my $1,500. It’s beyond a joke, really. It’s just unbelievable,” Myers stated in the CBC report.

Treasury Board’s Position

When approached about these concerns, the Treasury Board defended the current structure, stating that “the benefits under the PDSP are on par with similar retiree plans.” The department indicated there are currently no plans to modify the benefits, describing the pensioners’ dental plan as a voluntary program for retired federal public service members and their dependants.

National Dental Care Plan Considerations

The situation has become more complex with the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in 2024. While this new national program offers coverage for seniors over 65 who meet income requirements, it excludes those with existing private dental insurance – even if their private coverage provides fewer benefits.

Advocacy for Change

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons has acknowledged the challenges. Anthony Quinn, the organization’s chief operating officer, noted that while the national dental care plan “answers a very grave need,” there are still “hurdles to be straightened out” regarding qualifications for those with private healthcare plans.

Looking Forward

The disparity is set to widen further, as current employees’ coverage is scheduled to increase to $3,250 by 2027. Meanwhile, retirees like Myers continue to advocate for change: “I do think it needs to change, and I think it needs to change sooner rather than later. This is affecting a lot of people.”