| Subject: Pensioners' Dental Services Plan - RULES Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 07:24:29 -0400 Treasury Board Rules for the Dental Plan Pensioners' Dental Services Plan - RULES August 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RULE 1. Definitions 1(1) In these rules, unless the context requires otherwise, "Accidental Dental Injury" (lÚsion dentaire accidentelle) means an unexpected and unforeseen injury to the dental and contiguous structures of natural teeth which is a result of an event that occurs by chance, but excludes an injury associated with such normal acts as cleaning, chewing and eating; "Administrator" (administrateur) means the organization or organizations selected to execute certain administrative functions required for the operation of the Plan; "Category of Coverage" (catÚgorie de protection) means one of the Categories of Coverage set out in Rule 3(2). "Child" (enfant) means the person who is an unmarried Child of a Member or of the Member's Spouse or of the Member Common Law Partner, including an adopted Child, a step-Child and a foster Child in respect of whom the Member stands in loco parentis, provided such person is (a) under 21 years of age; or (b) under 25 years of age and enrolled in an accredited school, college or university on a full-time basis; or (c) 21 years of age or over who is incapable of engaging in self-sustaining employment by reason of mental or physical impairment, and is primarily dependant upon the Eligible Pensioner for support and maintenance, and provided that the Child (i) is a person to whom the above description applies on the date the Eligible Pensioner becomes eligible for coverage, or (ii) was covered as a dependant under this Plan immediately prior to his or her 21st birthday, or (iii) was covered under this Plan as a dependant while enrolled full-time at school, college or university between the ages of 21 and 25. "Children's Coverage" (protection des enfants) means coverage for eligible Children; "Common Law Partner" (conjoint de fait) means the person designated by the Member for the purposes of Rule 4 with whom the Member is cohabiting in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a continuous period of at least one (1) year; "Coverage as a Common Law Partner" (protection du conjoint de fait) means coverage as the Common Law Partner of a Member; "Dental Hygienist" (hygiÚniste dentaire) means a person duly certified or licensed to perform the service rendered and shall include a dental assistant and any other similarly qualified person;
"Dental Mechanic" (mÚcanicien-dentiste) means a person
(a) who is duly qualified to perform the service rendered and shall
include a dental therapist, dentist, denturist, denturologist and any other similarly qualified person, and (b) who practices in a province, state or country in which he or she is legally permitted to deal directly with the public;
"Dentist" or "Oral Surgeon" (dentiste ou chirurgien-dentiste) means a person
licensed to practice dentistry by the appropriate governmental licensing authority, provided that such person renders a service within the scope of his or her license;
"Effective Date of the Plan" or "Effective Date" (date d'entrÚe en vigueur
du rÚgime ou date d'effet) means January 1, 2001. "Eligible Child" (enfant admissible) means a Child of the Member or of the Member's Spouse or of the MemberÆs Common Law Partner but excludes any such Child who is a Member of the Plan;
"Eligible Common Law Partner" (conjoint de fait admissible) means the Common
Law Partner of the Member but excludes any such common law partner who is a Member of the Plan;
"Eligible Family Member" (membre de la famille admissible) means either the
Eligible Spouse or the Eligible Common Law Partner and/or the Eligible child(ren);
"Eligible Pensioner" (pensionnÚ admissible) means a person who satisfies the
requirements of Rule 2;
"Eligible Spouse" (conjoint admissible) means the Spouse of the Member but
excludes any such Spouse who is a Member of the Plan;
"Member" (participant) means an Eligible Pensioner covered under the
PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan;
"Minister" (ministre) means the President of the Treasury Board;
"Necessary Dental Treatment" (traitement dentaire nÚcessaire) means a
treatment rendered for the prevention of dental disease or dental defect or for the correction of dental disease, dental defect or accidental dental injury, provided such treatment is consistent with generally accepted dental practice;
"Plan" (rÚgime) means the PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan established by
the Treasury Board of Canada on February 24, 2000, as amended from time to time;
"Prescribed Form" (forme prescrite) means any form prescribed for the
purposes of this Plan and approved by the Minister;
"Reasonable and Customary Charges" (frais raisonnables et habituels) means
charges for services and supplies with respect to a necessary dental treatment, of the level usually furnished in the absence of insurance for cases of the nature and severity of the case being treated and which are in accordance with representative fees and prices in the area where the treatment is rendered;
"Rules" (rÞglement) means the rules of the PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan
with any amendments to them in force from time to time;
"Spousal Coverage" (protection du conjoint) means coverage as a Spouse of a
Member;
"Spouse" (conjoint) means the person designated by the Member for the
purposes of Rule 4, who is legally married to the Member;
"Time Unit" (unitÚ de temps) with respect to a dental treatment means a
fifteen (15) minute interval or any portion of a fifteen (15) minute interval;
"Treatment Plan" (plan de traitement) means a written report, in a form
supplied or approved by the Administrator, prepared by the attending practitioner as the result of the examination of the patient and providing the following:
(a) the recommended necessary dental treatment for the correction of any
dental disease, defect or accidental dental injur, (b) the period during which such recommended treatment is to be rendered, and (c) the estimated cost of the recommended treatment and necessary appliance; "VeteransÆ Coverage" (protection des anciens combattants) means continuing dental care treatment provided to veterans of military service through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
1(2) In these Rules, unless the context requires otherwise, where
reference is made to a clause without anything in the context that a clause of some other Rule is intended to be referred to, the reference shall be deemed to be a reference to a clause of the Rule in which the reference is made.
RULE 2. Eligibility
2(1) Any person who (a) on December 31, 2000, is in receipt of a pension, annuity or annual allowance pursuant to any of the following: (i) The Public Service Superannuation Act; (ii) The Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act; (iii) The Judges Act; (iv) The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act; (v) The Defence Services Pension Continuation Act; (vi) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act; (vii) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act; (viii) The Governor GeneralÆs Act; (ix) The Lieutenant Governors Superannuation Act; (x) The Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act; (xi) The Special Retirement Arrangements Act and (xii) Any other Act of the Parliament of Canada providing for the payment of a pension or annuity as designated by the Treasury Board; or (b) on or after January 1, 2001, commences receipt of a pension, annuity
or annual allowance pursuant to: (i) The Public Service Superannuation Act as a result of
(A) retirement from a federal department or from an agency or entity listed in Schedule 1; (B) having been entitled to a deferred annuity on December 31, 2000; (C) the death of a Member described in Rule 2(1)(a); or, (D) the death of a Member employed in or retired from a federal department or agency or entity listed in Schedule 1; (ii) The Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act;
(iii) The Judges Act; (iv) The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act; (v) The Defence Services Pension Continuation Act; (vi) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act; (vii) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act; (viii) The Governor GeneralÆs Act; (ix) The Lieutenant Governors Superannuation Act; (x) The Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act; (xi) The Special Retirement Arrangements Act; and (xii) Any other Act of the Parliament of Canada providing for the payment of a pension or annuity as designated by the Treasury Board; is eligible to apply for membership in the Plan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RULE 3. Membership Application for Membership 3(1) An Eligible Pensioner (a) described in Rule 2(1)(a) may apply for membership under the Plan by completing the prescribed application form and sending it to the Administrator within the 90 day period immediately preceding the Effective Date;
(b) described in Rule 2(1)(b) may apply for membership under the Plan by
completing the prescribed application form and sending it to the Administrator within 60 days of the effective date of the Eligible PensionerÆs pension entitlement or within 60 days of confirmation of the Eligible PensionerÆs pension entitlement by the appropriate pension authority, whichever is later.
Category of Coverage 3(2) In making application for membership, the Eligible Pensioner will select one of three Categories of Coverage:
I Eligible Pensioner only
II Eligible Pensioner and one Eligible Family Member III Eligible Pensioner and more than one Eligible Family Member
Effective Date of Membership 3(3) If an Eligible Pensioner makes application for membership (a) in accordance with Rule 3(1)(a), membership will be effective on the Effective Date; (b) in accordance with Rule 3(1)(b), membership will be effective on the later of (i) the effective date of the Eligible PensionerÆs pension
entitlement; and, (ii) the date on which coverage as an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner or Eligible Child ceased; or
(c) in accordance with Rule 3(5), membership will be effective on the
first day of the second month following the date on which the Administrator receives an application in the Prescribed Form.
Late Applications for Membership
3(4) An Eligible Pensioner who makes application for membership after the period set out in Rule 3(1) can become a Member only if the Minister is satisfied that the Eligible Pensioner was prevented from making application within the prescribed period and authorizes membership from a specified date.
Deferred Membership
3(5) Notwithstanding Rules 3(1) and 3(4), an Eligible Pensioner may defer making application for membership if the Eligible Pensioner has coverage under another dental plan or has VeteransÆ Coverage. An Eligible Pensioner who wishes to defer application for membership must,
within the time period prescribed in Rule 3(1), so notify the Administrator in writing in the Prescribed Form and provide proof of that other coverage to the satisfaction of the Administrator. The Eligible Pensioner may subsequently make application for membership
under the Plan by completing the prescribed application form and sending it to the Administrator no later than 60 days following the termination of the Eligible PensionerÆs coverage under the other dental plan or VeteransÆ Coverage.
Termination of Membership
3(6) A MemberÆs coverage terminates on the earliest of:
(a) (i) the date of the MemberÆs death or
(ii) the first of the second month following the month in which the Member ceases to be an Eligible Pensioner for reason other than the MemberÆs death; (b) the first of the second month following the date on which the
Administrator receives a termination notice in the Prescribed Form from the Member; and (c) the date on which the Member becomes covered under the Dental Care
Plan for the Public Service of Canada as an "eligible employee" as defined in that plan, becomes entitled to dental services as a member of the Canadian Forces or the RCMP, or receives VeteransÆ Coverage and the Member provides proof of that other coverage to the satisfaction of the Administrator.
Re-instatement of Membership
3(7) A Member whose membership has terminated in accordance with
Rule 3(6)(c) may apply to re-instate membership under the PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan within 60 days of the date on which the conditions described in Rule 3(6)(c) no longer apply and the Eligible PensionerÆs application will be treated as a new application and will be subject to the eligibility rules which apply at the time.
Two-Year Restriction
3(8) Notwithstanding Rule 3(6)(b), no Member may voluntarily terminate membership under the Plan before having been a Member for two complete calendar years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RULE 4. Coverage of a Spouse or Common Law Partner
Eligibility for Coverage of a Spouse or Common Law Partner 4(1) Subject to Rule 4(2) a Member becomes eligible to cover a Spouse or
Common Law Partner under this Plan on the later of: (a) the date the Eligible Pensioner becomes covered as a Member of this Plan, and (b) the first date the Member acquires an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner If a Member ceases to have an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner, the Member shall again become eligible to cover a spouse or common law partner on any subsequent date on which the Member again acquires an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner.
Termination of Eligibility for Coverage of a Spouse or Common Law Partner 4(2) A MemberÆs eligibility for Coverage of a Spouse or Common Law
Partner terminates on the earlier of: (a) the date on which the MemberÆs coverage terminates; and,
(b) the date on which the Member no longer has an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner. Effective date of Spouse's or Common Law PartnerÆs Coverage
4(3) The coverage of a MemberÆs Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law
Partner is effective on (a) the Effective Date, if the Eligible Pensioner applied for coverage as
a Member in accordance with Rule 3(1)(a) and selected the appropriate Category of Coverage; (b) the effective date of the Eligible PensionerÆs pension entitlement if the Eligible Pensioner applied for coverage as a Member in accordance with Rule 3(1)(b) and selected the appropriate Category of Coverage; and (c) the first day of the second month following the date on which the
Administrator receives an application in the Prescribed Form from the Member in which the Member amends the Category of Coverage to cover the Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner, if the Administrator receives the application form within 60 days of the date the Spouse or Common Law Partner becomes eligible and provided that the pensioner is an Eligible Pensioner and the Spouse or Common Law Partner is an Eligible Spouse or an Eligible Common Law Partner on that date. Deferred Coverage 4(4) Notwithstanding Rule 4(3), a Member may defer covering an Eligible Spouse or an Eligible Common Law Partner if the Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner has coverage under another dental plan or VeteransÆ Coverage. A Member who wishes to defer application for SpouseÆs or Common Law
PartnerÆs coverage must, within the time period prescribed in Rule 4(3)(c), so notify the Administrator in writing in the Prescribed Form and provide proof of that other coverage to the satisfaction of the Administrator. The Member may make application for SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs
coverage under the Plan by completing an application in the Prescribed Form and sending it to the Administrator no later than 60 days following the termination of the SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs coverage under the other dental plan or VeteransÆ Coverage.
Termination of a Spouse's or Common Law PartnerÆs Coverage
4(5) A SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs coverage under this Plan
terminates on the earliest of
(a) the date on which the Spouse or Common Law Partner no longer
qualifies as an Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner under this Plan;
(b) the date on which the coverage of the Member ceases;
(c) the date on which the Spouse or Common Law Partner becomes covered
under the Dental Care Plan for the Public Service of Canada as an "eligible employee" as defined in that plan, becomes entitled to dental services as a member of the Canadian Forces or the RCMP, or receives VeteransÆ Coverage and the Member provides proof of that other coverage to the satisfaction of the Administrator; and
(d) the first of the second month following the date on which the
Administrator receives a request in the Prescribed Form from the Member to terminate a SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs coverage.
4(6) A Member whose SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs coverage has
terminated in accordance with Rule 4(5)(c) may apply to re-instate that coverage under the PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan within 60 days of the date on which the conditions described in Rule 4(5)(c) no longer apply and the MemberÆs application to re-instate the SpouseÆs or Common Law PartnerÆs coverage will be treated as a new application and will be subject to the eligibility rules which apply at the time.
4(7) Notwithstanding Rule 4(5)(d), no Member may terminate a SpouseÆs or
Common Law PartnerÆs coverage before the Spouse or Common Law Partner has been covered under the Plan for two complete calendar years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
RULE 5. Children's Coverage
Eligibility for ChildrenÆs Coverage 5(1) A Member becomes eligible for ChildrenÆs Coverage under the Plan on the later of:
(a) the date on which the Member first acquires an Eligible Child; and,
(b) the date on which the Eligible Pensioner becomes a Member of the
Plan.
If a Member ceases to have an Eligible Child or Children, the Member shall
again become eligible for ChildrenÆs Coverage on any subsequent date on which the Member again acquires an Eligible Child or Children.
Termination of Eligibility for Children's Coverage
5(2) A MemberÆs eligibility for ChildrenÆs Coverage terminates on the earlier of:
(a) the date on which the Member's coverage terminates; and,
(b) the date on which the Member no longer has Eligible Children.
Effective Date of a Child's Coverage
5(3) The coverage of a MemberÆs Eligible Child or Children is effective on
(a) the Effective Date, if the Eligible Pensioner applied for coverage as
a Member in accordance with Rule 3(1)(a) and selected the appropriate Category of Coverage; (b) the Effective Date of the Eligible PensionerÆs pension entitlement if
the Eligible Pensioner applied for coverage as a member in accordance with Rule 3(1)(b) and selected the appropriate Category of Coverage; (c) the first day of the second month following the date on which the
Administrator receives an application in the Prescribed Form from the Member in which the Member amends the Category of Coverage to cover the Eligible Child, if the Administrator receives the application form:
(i) within 60 days of the date the Child becomes eligible, or (ii) before the Child attains the age of three (3) years.
Notwithstanding the above provision, where coverage is in respect of a Child
who is covered under the Plan by the Member's Spouse or the MemberÆs Common Law Partner, the ChildÆs coverage as the Child of the Member shall be effective on the day the Member sends an application in the Prescribed Form to the Administrator.
Deferred Coverage
5(4) Notwithstanding Rule 5(3), a member may defer covering an Eligible Child if the Eligible Child has coverage under another dental plan.
A Member who wishes to defer application for ChildÆs coverage must, within
the time period prescribed in Rule 5(3)(c), so notify the Administrator in writing in the Prescribed Form and provide proof of that other coverage to the satisfaction of the Administrator.
The Member may make subsequent application for ChildÆs coverage under the
Plan by completing an application in the Prescribed Form and sending it to the Administrator no later than 60 days following the termination of the ChildÆs coverage under the other dental plan.
Termination of a Child's Coverage
5(5) No Child of a Member shall be covered under this Plan after the earliest of:
(a) the day a Child no longer qualifies as an Eligible Child under the
Plan; (b) the date the MemberÆs coverage ceases; and (c) where the MemberÆs Spouse or Common Law Partner is a Member of the Plan, the day on which the MemberÆs Spouse or Common Law Partner sends an application in the Prescribed Form to the Administrator selecting the appropriate Category of Coverage to cover the Child. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
RULE 6. Benefits Definitions 6(1) Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, in this Rule,
(a) "covered expenses" for Members residing outside Canada means, where
permitted by law, Reasonable and Customary Charges for the eligible dental services provided to the Member, the MemberÆs covered Spouse or Common Law Partner and the MemberÆs covered Children;
(b) "covered expenses" for Members residing in Canada means the charges
for the eligible dental services provided to the Member, the MemberÆs covered Spouse or the MemberÆs covered Common Law Partner and the MemberÆs covered Children up to but not exceeding the amount shown in the relevant fee schedules for dental practitioners and specialists where available, or such other fee schedules as may be adopted from time to time for the purposes of the Plan,
(i) of the province or territory where services are rendered,
where such services are rendered in Canada; or (ii) of the province or territory of residence of the Member, where such services are rendered outside Canada;
where "relevant fee schedule" means
(iii) other than for the province of Alberta, the schedule in
effect the previous year; and (iv) for the province of Alberta, the 1997 Alberta schedule increased by an inflationary factor. (c) "co-insurance percentage" means that portion of covered expenses, for
the applicable eligible dental services in excess of the calendar year deductible, which represents the amount of the benefit to which a Member is entitled;
(d) "calendar year deductible" means, in respect of the covered expenses
incurred in the calendar year for which it is being calculated, the covered expenses which, when accumulated in the order of their being incurred, equal the individual deductible amount, except that not more than the combined deductible amount shall be applied in any calendar year against the covered expenses of a Member and all persons to whom the Member's Coverage of a Spouse or Common Law Partner or ChildrenÆs Coverage applies.
If the first dental expenses in a calendar year is incurred in the last
quarter of the year (October-December), and the applicable deductible has been paid, that deductible will be carried over to the following year.
Eligible Dental Services
6(2) Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, "eligible dental services" means the dental services listed in Schedule 2 when rendered by a dentist or dental specialist, by a dental hygienist under the direct supervision of one of a dentist or dental specialist, or by a dental mechanic.
Where any province, state or country employs a coding of procedures for
individual dental treatment which is different from that of the Canadian Dental Association, the appropriate codes of the guide of such province, state or country for the equivalent procedure shall apply. Where it cannot be ascertained that dental services rendered are eligible services, eligible services shall be the alternative services defined below as eligible dental services, as determined by the Administrator.
Specific Limitations with Respect to Major Services
6(3)
(a) The services listed in Schedule 2 dealing with the installation of
prosthodontic appliances (e.g. fixed bridge, pontics and abutments, temporary or permanent, partial or complete dentures), constitute eligible dental services only if they are rendered for
(i) an initial prosthodontic appliance, or
(ii) the replacement of an existing prosthodontic appliance, including the addition of teeth to an existing appliance, if * the replacement, or the addition of teeth is required because at least one additional natural tooth was extracted after the insertion of the existing appliance, and the appliance could not have been made serviceable. If the existing appliance could have been made serviceable, the expense for only that portion of the replacement appliance which replaces the teeth extracted shall be covered, * the existing appliance is at least five (5) years old and cannot be made serviceable, * the existing appliance was temporarily installed, provided that the replacement appliance is installed within twelve (12) months of insertion of the temporary appliance and that such replacement appliance will thereafter be deemed permanent for the purposes of this provision, * the replacement appliance is required as a result of the installation of an initial opposing denture after the date the person becomes covered under the Plan, or * the replacement appliance is required as a result of accidental dental injury to a natural tooth that occurred after the date the person became covered under the Plan.
(b) With respect to the services listed in Schedule 2 dealing with
crowns, the services for the replacement of a crown are eligible if the existing crown is at least five (5) years old and cannot be made serviceable.
Amount of Benefit
6(4) Subject to the other provisions of Rule 6, where a Member incurs covered expenses in respect of a person covered by the Plan, the Member is entitled to a benefit for all such covered expenses incurred in respect of such covered person in any calendar year equal to the co-insurance percentage of those covered expenses which exceeds the calendar year deductible, up to but not exceeding the maximum reimbursement amounts for the applicable covered expenses.
Table of Benefits
6(5) For the purpose of calculating the Member's benefit under Rule 6(4), the co-insurance percentages, deductibles and maximum reimbursement amounts shall be as follows:
(a) Co-insurance percentages:
(i) 50% for the following services :
* major restorative services (listed under provision 3(ii) of Schedule 2) * major prosthodontic services (listed under provision 6(ii) of Schedule 2), and * orthodontic services (listed under provisions 8(ii) and (iii) of Schedule 2);
(ii) 90% for all other services listed in Schedule 2.
(b) Calendar year deductibles:
(i) individual deductible: $25;
(ii) combined deductible: $50.
(c) Maximum reimbursement amounts:
(i) $2,500 for all benefits payable with respect to eligible
orthodontic services (listed under provision 8 of Schedule 2) rendered to a covered person for the whole period while covered under the Plan
(ii) $1,300 for benefits payable with respect to eligible
dental services, other than orthodontic services (referred to in Rule 6(5)(c)(i)), rendered to a covered person in a given calendar year. (iii) Notwithstanding Rule 6(5)(c)(ii), the amount reimbursed for dental expenses, excluding orthodontic services, shall not exceed $650 in a given calendar year, if the Member, his Eligible Spouse or Eligible Common Law Partner and Eligible Children became covered under the plan on or after July 1 of that given year.
Treatment Plan Provision
6(6)
(a) The Member should submit a treatment plan to the Administrator for
benefit determination when the estimated cost of a course of treatment is $300 or more.
(b) Such treatment plan is not valid if treatment does not commence
within ninety (90) days of the date on which the Member submitted it.
(c) When the Administrator receives a treatment plan, the Administrator
shall advise the Member of the estimated amount payable on the basis of the treatment plan estimate at the time of benefit determination.
Date an Expense is Incurred
6(7)
(a) As a general rule, a covered expense is deemed to be incurred on the
date the particular service is rendered or the supply purchased. Where multiple appointments are required for a single service, the covered expenses shall be deemed to be incurred on the date such service is complete.
(b) Where applicable, a procedure involving the installation of an
appliance shall be deemed to be completed on the date the appliance is installed. However, in the case of orthodontic services, covered expenses shall be deemed to be incurred monthly, starting with the first date the appliance is installed, and at the same date of each subsequent month falling during the treatment period.
(c) Where the cost estimates given in the orthodontic treatment plan do
not provide for specific fees with respect to the initial consultation, the amount of covered expenses incurred for each month shall be equal to the total amount of covered charges for the treatment divided by the number of months in the treatment period.
(d) Where the cost estimates given in the orthodontic treatment plan
contain fees with respect to the initial consultation, the amount of covered charges incurred for each month shall be equal to
(i) with respect to the first month of treatment, the lesser of
25% of the total amount of covered charges for the treatment and the fees shown for the initial consultation; (ii) with respect to subsequent months, the difference between the total amount of covered charges for the treatment and the covered charges for the first month û divided by the number of subsequent months in the treatment period.
Method of Payment
6(8)
(a) Reimbursement under this Plan shall be made in a single payment for
each claim. However, in the case of orthodontic services, payments shall be made monthly, the amount of each reimbursement being equal to the benefit payable with respect to covered expenses incurred during such month, as determined under Rule 6(7).
(b) All benefits under this Plan, are payable to
(i) the Member;
(ii) the MemberÆs Spouse or Common Law Partner, if so directed by the Member; or (iii) the MemberÆs dental practitioner or specialist, if so directed by the Member.
Extension of Benefits
6(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan,
(a) where coverage for a person is terminated, coverage for the following
services shall be extended for a period of thirty-one (31) days after the termination date, provided the services commenced as defined below, before such date
(i) endodontic services, where the pulp chamber is opened
before the termination date: services listed under provision 4 of Schedule 2 for "root canal therapy"; (ii) prosthodontic services involving an appliance for which an impression was taken before the termination date;
services listed under provision 6 of Schedule 2 for "relining and
rebasing", "addition of tooth to a removable denture", "complete dentures" and "partial dentures";
(iii) major restorative and prosthodontic services for which a
tooth was prepared before the termination date;
major restorative services listed under provision 3 of Schedule 2
for "gold inlays", "crowns" and "other restorative services";
prosthodontic services listed under provision 6 of Schedule 2 for
"pontics", "retainers", "abutments", "retentive pins in abutments" and "repairs of fixed appliances".
(iv) orthodontic services for which a Member was entitled to a
benefit prior to the date of termination of coverage.
Conditions for Benefit Payment
6(10)
(a) A Member entitled to a benefit under the Plan must submit to the
Administrator within fifteen (15) months of the date the expense is incurred or deemed to be incurred under the Plan notice and proof of claim satisfactory to the Administrator.
(b) If the Member fails to provide the notice and proof within the time
required, the claim shall not be invalid if it was not reasonably possible for the Member to provide proof within such time, so long as the Member provides such proof as soon as reasonably possible and in no event, except in the case of legal incapacity, later than twenty-four (24) months after the expense was incurred.
Co-ordination of Benefits
6(11)
(a) All covered expenses shall be subject to co-ordination of benefits as
defined in this Rule 6(11).
(b) For the application of Rule 6(11), "allowable expense" means any
reasonable and customary item of expense at least a portion of which is covered under at least one of the plans covering the person for whom claim is made.
(c) Rule 6(11) shall apply in determining the benefits in respect of a
person covered under this Plan for any calendar year if, for the allowable expenses incurred in respect of such person during such year, the sum of the benefits that would be payable under this Plan (in the absence of Rule 6(11)) and the benefits that would be payable under all plans including this Plan (in the absence in those plans of provisions of similar purpose to Rule 6(11)), exceeds such allowable expenses.
(d) For any calendar year to which Rule 6(11) applies, the benefits that
would be payable under this Plan (in the absence of Rule 6(11)) for the allowable expenses incurred in respect of such person during that calendar year shall be reduced to the extent that the sum of the reduced benefits and all the benefits payable for such allowable expenses under all plans including this Plan, except as provided under Rule 6(11)(e), shall not exceed the total of such allowable expenses. Benefits payable under another plan include the benefits that would have been payable had a claim been made for them.
(e) If
(i) another plan which is involved in Rule 6(11)(d) contains a provision co-ordinating its benefits with those of this Plan and would, according to its rules, determine its benefits after the benefits of this Plan have been determined, and (ii) Rule 6(11)(f) would require this Plan to determine its benefits before such other plan,
the benefits of such other plan shall be ignored for the purpose of
determining the benefits under this Plan.
(f) For the purpose of Rule 6(11)(e),
(i) benefits shall be determined first under the plan which covers the person for whom expenses have been incurred other than as a Spouse or a Common Law Partner or Child or as a Child of the person whose date of birth, excluding year of birth, is earlier in the calendar year; (ii) subject to Rule 6(11)(f)(iii), where Rule 6(11)(f)(i) does not establish an order of benefit determination, or another plan contains different rules, benefits will be pro-rated between or amongst the plans in proportion to the amounts that would have been paid under each plan in the absence of other coverage; and (iii) notwithstanding Rule 6(11)(f)(ii), where the other plan is the Public Service Health Care Plan, benefits shall be determined first under the Public Service Health Care Plan for allowable expenses on account of accidental dental injury and first under this Plan for allowable expenses with respect to oral surgery.
(g) When this provision operates to reduce the total amount of benefits
otherwise payable in respect of a person covered under this Plan during any calendar year, each benefit that would be payable in the absence of this Rule 6(11)(g) shall be reduced proportionately, and such reduced amount shall be charged against any applicable maximum reimbursement amount of this Plan.
(h) For the purpose of determining the applicability of and implementing
the terms of Rule 6(11) or of any provision of similar purpose in any other plan, the Administrator may, without the consent of or notice to any person, release to or obtain from any insurance company or other organisation or person any information with respect to any person which the Administrator deems to be necessary for such purposes. Any person claiming benefits under this Plan shall provide the Administrator with such information as may be necessary to implement this Rule.
Covered Expenses Limitations
6(12)
(a) Expenses incurred for the services, treatments and supplies listed in
Schedule 3 are not covered expenses.
(b) Expenses incurred for services, treatments, and supplies that are
reimbursed pursuant to the Extension of Benefits provision of the Public Service Dental Care Plan are not covered expenses.
RULE 7. Contributions
7(1)
(a) The cost of the Plan shall be shared on a 60% - 40% basis between the
Government of Canada and Members, respectively.
(b) Members shall pay a monthly contribution in the amount prescribed by
the Treasury Board from time to time by deduction from the MemberÆs pension entitlement one month in advance to provide coverage for the following month for the Category of Coverage selected by the Member.
(c) Notwithstanding Rule 7(1)(b), where the amount of the MemberÆs
pension or annuity is too small for the deduction to be made, the Member will send contributions quarterly to the appropriate pension administrator.
RULE 8. General Provisions
Amendments 8(1) The Treasury Board of Canada may modify or amend the Rules and when adding the name of an agency or entity to Schedule 1, may prescribe conditions for that agencyÆs or entityÆs participation in the PensionersÆ Dental Services Plan.
Instructions
8(2) The Administrator may, at any time and from time to time, issue instructions consistent with the provisions of the Plan to provide for the proper administration of the Plan.
Non-alienation of Benefits
8(3) No benefit under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to do so shall be void, except as specifically provided in the Plan, nor shall any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to garnishment, attachment, execution or levy, or liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the person entitled to such benefit. Beneficiaries
8(4)
(a) Any benefits unpaid at the Member's death may, at the option of the
Administrator, be paid either to the beneficiary or to the estate of such person.
(b) If a benefit under this Plan is payable to the estate of the Member
or to a Member who is a minor or otherwise not competent to give a valid release, the Administrator may pay such benefit to any relative by blood or connection by marriage of the Member or to a person appearing to the Administrator to be equitably entitled to the payment by reason of having incurred expenses for the maintenance, care or treatment of the Member or the Member's dependant. Any payment made by the Administrator in good faith pursuant to this provision shall fully discharge the Plan with respect to such payment.
Discretion
8(5) The Minister may, for any person or group of persons, make decisions concerning the application or provisions of this Plan, notwithstanding any provision in this Plan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHEDULE I. List of Agencies and Entities for the Purposes of Rule 2(1)(b)
Canada Investment and Savings Canadian Food Inspection Agency Canadian Institutes of Health Research (formerly Medical Research Council) Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (formerly Atomic Energy Control Board) Canadian Polar Commission Canadian Security Intelligence Service Communications Security Establishment House of Commons Indian Oil and Gas Canada Library of Parliament National Energy Board National Film Board National Research Council of Canada National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Northern Pipeline Agency Canada Office of the Auditor General Canada Office of the Correctional Investigator Office of the Secretary to the Governor General Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Parks Canada Agency Public Service Staff Relations Board Security Intelligence Review Committee Senate Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada ------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHEDULE 2. Eligible Dental Services
1. Diagnostic Services
(i) examination and diagnostic
* complete oral examination * recall oral examination, once every 9 months * specific oral examination * emergency oral examination * treatment planning
(ii) radiographs
* complete series of periapical films required to support a proper course of treatment, but not more frequently than once every 36 months * occlusal films * bitewings required to support a proper course of treatment, but not more frequently than once every 9 months * extra-oral films * sialography, use of dyes * panoramic film required to support a proper course of treatment, but not more frequently than once every 36 months * interpretation of radiographs from another source * tomography
(iii) tests, laboratory examinations
* biopsy of oral tissue * pulp vitality tests
2. Preventive Services
(i) routine services * dental cleaning and polishing, up to once every 9 months * topical application of fluoride required to support a proper course of treatment, but not more frequently than once every 9 months * pit and fissure sealants for covered Children prior to reaching age 15 * caries control * enameloplasty * oral hygiene instructions (once per calendar year)
(ii) space maintainers (not involving movement of teeth)
3. Restorative
(i) minor restorations * amalgam * silicate * acrylic or composite * pin reinforcements for these restorations Note: Replacement fillings for the same tooth and surface are covered only if the existing filling is at least 24 months old.
(ii) major restorations
* gold foil * gold inlays * porcelain inlays * retention pins, posts and cores * crowns * other restorative services
4. Endodontics
* pulp capping * pulpotomy * root canal therapy * periapical services * other endodontic procedures
5. Periodontics
* non surgical services * surgical services * post surgical treatment * occlusal equilibration, not exceeding 8 time units every 12-month period * scaling and root planing, not exceeding 6 time units every calendar year; except in documented cases and with pre-approval of a Treatment Plan, not exceeding 12 time units every calendar year * other periodontic services
6. Prosthodontics
(i) minor services for removable dentures * repairs * adjustment * relining and rebasing, limited to once every 36 months
(ii) major
* exams, films and diagnostic casts * addition of a tooth to a removable denture * complete dentures * partial dentures * pontics (fixed bridges) * retainers * abutments (pontics) * retentive pins in abutments * repairs of fixed appliances * other prosthodontic services
7. Oral surgery
* uncomplicated removal * surgical removal and tooth repositioning * alveopoplasty, gingivoplasty, stomatoplasty, osteoplasty, tuberoplasty * removal of excess mucosa * surgical excision * removal of cyst * surgical incision * removal of impacted teeth * repair of soft tissue * frenectomy, dislocations * miscellaneous surgical services
8. Orthodontic services
(i) Diagnostic Services * orthodontic exam * films * orthodontic diagnostic casts
(ii) observation and adjustment
* surgical services * observation and adjustment * repairs, alterations
(iii) appliances
* removable appliances * fixed appliances * retention appliances * appliances to control harmful habits
9. Adjunctive General Services
* emergency services not otherwise specified * anaesthesia in connection with oral surgery and drug injections * consultation * house call, hospital call and special office visit ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SCHEDULE 3. Covered Expense Limitations for the Purposes of Rule 6(12) (a) services and supplies, or any portion thereof, which are covered under any provincial, territorial or other public dental, hospital or health plan to which the person is eligible;
(b) services and supplies, or portion thereof, which are the legal
liability of any other party;
(c) services and supplies, rendered or provided, to which a person is
entitled without charge pursuant to any law including but not limited to Workers' Compensation or similar law, or for which there is no cost to the person except for the existence of insurance against such cost;
(d) services and supplies received in a hospital owned or operated by a
government, unless the person is required to pay for such services or supplies regardless of the existence of insurance;
(e) services and supplies rendered outside Canada to persons residing in
Canada or to Children of a Member residing in Canada, which would be payable under a provincial health, dental or hospital plan if the services had been rendered in Canada;
(f) dental treatment involving the use of precious metals, if such
treatment could have been rendered at lower cost by means of a reasonable substitute consistent with generally accepted dental practice, except for that portion of expenses which would have been incurred for treatment by means of a reasonable substitute;
(g) user fees, co-insurance charges or similar charges which are in
excess of charges payable by a governmental dental, hospital or health plan;
(h) dental treatment which is not yet approved by the Canadian Dental
Association or which, in the opinion of the Administrator, is clearly experimental in nature; (i) services and supplies which, in the opinion of the Administrator, are rendered principally for cosmetic purposes including, but not limited to, porcelain or composite facings on crowns or pontics on molar teeth;
(j) services and supplies related to the purchase, repair, modification
or replacement of a duplicate prosthodontic appliance, for any reasons;
(k) services rendered and supplies purchased prior to the date the person
became covered under this Plan;
(l) charges for an appliance or a modification of one where an impression
is made for such appliance or modification before the person became covered under this Plan; charges for crowns, bridges and gold restorations for which a tooth was prepared before the person became covered under this Plan; charges for root canal therapy where the pulp chamber was opened before the person became covered under this Plan;
(m) services and supplies rendered as a result of a congenital or
developmental malformation which is not a Class I, II, III malocclusion, except for a Child under 19 years of age;
(n) charges for a periodontal appliance, occlusal equilibration, and
other related service as a result of a temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ dysfunction) or vertical dimension correction;
(o) implants, except that a benefit may be paid based on the reasonable
and customary charges for the least expensive alternative course of treatment that is an eligible dental service under the Plan;
(p) charges for an orthodontic treatment, in respect of a Member or
Eligible Spouse or eligible Common Law Partner, where the initial appliance was installed before the person became covered for such service under this Plan. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For More Information
* Call Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada at 1-888-757-7427 (toll-free) or at 247-5100 in the National Capital Region * Write to Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada at: PO BOX 9805 CSC-T Ottawa ON K1G 6M6 * Visit the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Website at: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca
® Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Represented by the President of the Treasury Board, 2000 Catalogue No. BT22-71/2û2000 ISBN 0-662-65183û9
This document is available in alternative formats and on the Treasury Board
of Canada Secretariat Website at the following address: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca and on the HR CONNEXIONS web address: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hr_connexions_rh Copies of the booklet may be obtained by contacting the: Distribution Centre Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 300 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa ON K1A 0R5 Tel: 613 995-2855 Fax: 613 996-0518 Services-Publication@fin.gc.ca TBS Distribution Centre Stock No.: TBS 006779 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [ List of Related Topics | Table of Contents ]
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