Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan summary

This is a summary of the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP), which is offered to eligible pensioners (retired members) of the public service including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Armed Forces or of a participating agency or entity. It does not contain all details or describe all limits, restrictions or exclusions. For additional information, please refer to the PDSP member booklet or the PDSP rules or contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

The PDSP is designed to cover specific dental services and supplies that are not covered under your provincial/territorial health care or dental care plan. It is contributory voluntary plan and completely separate from the dental care plan for public service employees

Eligibility

Optional coverage for:

Pensioners (including eligible surviving dependants) receiving an ongoing recognized monthly public service pension – some exceptions apply
Eligible spouse or common-law partner and eligible dependant children

For definitions of terms used, consult the PDSP Rules.

Enrolment and effective date

To apply for coverage, submit a signed application form, available from the Government of Canada Pension Centre.

If your completed application is received within 60 days of your pension’s effective date, coverage begins on that date.
If your completed application is received more than 60 days after your pension’s effective date, coverage takes effect on the first day of the second month following receipt of your application.

Note: By applying, you and your dependants agree to participate in the PDSP for a minimum of three complete calendar years (some exceptions apply).

Positive enrolment

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a certificate number which you’ll need to complete positive enrolment with the plan administrator, Canada Life. Positive enrolment is mandatory and must be completed and maintained separately on all benefit plans. It’s your responsibility to keep your personal information up to date.

Positive enrolment involves giving Canada Life information about yourself, your spouse or common-law partner and each eligible dependant child, including:

full names
addresses
ages
banking information (for direct deposit)

You will also be asked whether you or any of your dependants have coverage under another group health or dental plan. You may be eligible to coordinate benefits between plans.

Note: There is no coordination of benefits between members of the PDSP.

Once you complete positive enrolment, you will have access to your PDSP benefit card. Claims will not be paid if you don’t complete this step.

Annual deductible

For complete information, consult the PDSP member booklet

$25 for one covered person or $50 for more than one covered person (family) deducted from your first claim(s) each calendar year

Co-payment percentage (after deductible)

Preventive and basic dental services: 90%
Major restorative and orthodontic dental services: 50%

Reasonable and customary charges

Reimbursement is based on the previous year’s dental fee guide for the province or territory where the services are rendered

Note: Provisions for dental services received outside of Canada