The Remission Order in respect of Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) eligibility issues, registered as SI/2025-103, addresses financial burdens on individuals affected by errors and misunderstandings in the administration of the CDCP. Issued under the authority of the Financial Administration Act, the Order provides relief to individuals who would otherwise face repayment obligations for dental services covered in error. The Order applies to two main categories of cases: those affected by miscalculations of adjusted family net income (AFNI) and those who incorrectly attested to not having dental insurance prior to May 1, 2024.

For individuals whose AFNI was calculated incorrectly, the Order provides remission of amounts paid for dental services during specific coverage periods. Eligible persons include those who applied for coverage before September 5, 2025, and whose eligibility for periods between May 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, was miscalculated, resulting in incorrect co-payment determinations or ineligibility notices. The Order ensures that individuals who received or are receiving dental care during these periods are not required to repay amounts paid by the CDCP to dental care professionals for those services.

The issuance of this Remission Order was prompted by two primary issues. The first involved a programming error in the calculation of AFNI, a key determinant of eligibility and co-payment levels for the CDCP. The error resulted in some individuals incorrectly being deemed eligible or assigned the wrong co-payment tier. Once identified, the programming error was corrected, and eligibility assessments returned to standard procedures. The second issue arose from the early implementation phase of the CDCP for seniors aged 70 and above. Prior to May 1, 2024, when the CDCP application process was primarily conducted by phone, explanations regarding eligibility criteria—particularly the requirement that applicants not have access to other dental insurance—were not fully clear, leading to some ineligible individuals receiving coverage. Clarifications were provided once the online application portal opened on May 1, 2024.

The overarching objective of the Remission Order is to prevent undue financial hardship for Canadians affected by these administrative and communication errors. Affected individuals will receive formal notification confirming that they are not required to repay the incorrectly paid amounts. Moving forward, standard recovery procedures will continue to apply in cases where individuals are found ineligible for CDCP services. The financial impact of the Order is estimated at up to $29 million, reflecting the total value of payments made to dental care providers on behalf of individuals affected by the eligibility issues. By remitting these amounts, the Order ensures fairness and reinforces public confidence in the administration of the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

This Remission Order represents a proactive step to address systemic errors, safeguard recipients from unwarranted debt, and maintain equitable access to dental care under the Plan.

Canada (103/2025) October 28, 2025
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