FREDERICTON (GNB) – Applications are now available for New Brunswick's dental and vision plan for children of low-income families. The Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program comes into effect Sept. 1.
"Our government is proud to help low-income New Brunswickers care for their families by investing in programs and services that enhance the quality of life of their children," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz. "The dental and vision plan provides the necessary coverage that children of low-income families need and deserve."
The vision program will cover basic items such as yearly exams, lenses and frames. The dental program will cover basic items such as regular exams, X-rays and extractions, with some focus on preventative treatments.
To be eligible, a person must:
● live in New Brunswick;
● have dependent children 18 years old or younger;
● not have vision and dental coverage through any other government program or private insurance plan;
● have a family net income level not exceeding the following amounts based on the previous year's New Brunswick income tax return or notice of assessment:
o family of two with an annual income of $22,020;
o family of three with an annual income of $26,969;
o family of four with an annual income of $31,142;
o family of five with an annual income of $34,817;
o family of six with an annual income of $38,141;
o family of seven with an annual income of $41,196.
Part of the province's poverty reduction strategy, Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision is expected to benefit about 22,000 children provincewide.
Children who currently receive vision and dental benefits under Social Development's Health Services Program will be automatically transferred to the new dental and vision plan.
Application forms may be obtained at Service New Brunswick centres, regional offices of the Department of Social Development and online at the Department of Social Development website. Completed application forms must be mailed to the following address:
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision,
644 Main St.,
P.O. Box 220,
Moncton, N.B.
E1C 8L3
Alternatively, application forms may be faxed to 1-506-867-4651.
LINK:
● Department of Social Development
08-08-12