After announcing the plan last year, the Trudeau Liberals appear ready to announce details of the federal dental insurance plan today.

“There are half a million kids in this country who don’t have access to dental care,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when the idea was first announced.

Many older seniors also do not have dental care, but this will soon change.

The new plan will be phased in gradually over 2024 with first claims likely to be processed in May.

According to The Canadian Press, applications are expected to open as early as next week for qualifying seniors over the age of 87.

Eligibility will gradually expand over the course of next year to include all qualifying seniors over the age of 65 by May, then children under the age of 18 and people with disabilities by June.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000 and no private insurance.

The dental insurance plan is a condition of the minority Liberals’ Supply and Confidence Deal with the federal New Democrats to secure the support of NDP MPs on key votes in the House of Commons through 2025.