PDSP - Frequently Asked Questions for Pensioners

1. Who is eligible for membership in the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan (PDSP)?
2. I do not want to change my coverage. What must I do to obtain the new contribution rates?
3. I forgot to include an eligible family member on my original Enrolment Form. Can I enrol that person now?
4. I was a member of the PDSP a few years ago, but I stopped my coverage voluntarily. Does this new open enrolment rule mean that I can rejoin the plan?
5. I want to change my coverage; can I use the old Enrolment Form I have at home?
6. I was told that I am not eligible for PDSP coverage because I retired from an agency that does not participate in the Plan. Does this new open enrolment rule mean that I can now join the PDSP?
7. I have deferred joining the PDSP because I am already covered under another dental plan. How will this change affect me?
8. Why are member contribution rates being changed now?

1. Who is eligible for membership in the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan (PDSP)?

The PDSP is available to most federal public service pensioners, including survivors in receipt of a pension, retired members of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP, Parliamentarians, Senators and Judges, persons who retired from other participating agencies and entities mentioned in Schedule 1 of the PDSP Rules.

2. I do not want to change my coverage. What must I do to obtain the new contribution rates?

Your March 2006 pension cheque will automatically reflect the new rates. Unless you want to change your Category of Coverage, there is no need to contact anyone.

3. I forgot to include an eligible family member on my original Enrolment Form. Can I enrol that person now?

Yes, please call the number below and you will be sent an Enrolment Form for that purpose. Changes to your coverage will be effective the first day of the second month following the date of receipt of your properly completed and signed Enrolment Form.

4. I was a member of the PDSP a few years ago, but I stopped my coverage voluntarily. Does this new open enrolment rule mean that I can rejoin the plan?

No, you cannot rejoin the PDSP if you voluntarily withdrew. However, you can rejoin the PDSP at a later date if you stopped your PDSP coverage because you became re-employed and a member of the Public Service Dental Care Plan (PSDCP), or entitled to dental services as a member of the Canadian Forces or RCMP, or Veterans' Dental coverage.

5. I want to change my coverage; can I use the old Enrolment Form I have at home?

No, the Enrolment Forms have been amended because of the new Rules. Please call the number below for a new form.

6. I was told that I am not eligible for PDSP coverage because I retired from an agency that does not participate in the Plan. Does this new open enrolment rule mean that I can now join the PDSP?

No, you can join the PDSP only if you retire from a Federal Government department or agency that is part of the core public service, or from an agency listed in Schedule 1 of the PDSP Rules. If you are uncertain as to whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements, please call the number below.

7. I have deferred joining the PDSP because I am already covered under another dental plan. How will this change affect me?

Since the enrolment deadlines have been removed, you will be able to enrol in the PDSP at any time. When you do apply to join the PDSP, you will be subject to the eligibility Rules in place at that time and you will need to submit a properly completed and signed Enrolment Form. This also applies to current PDSP Members who have deferred coverage for family members and wish to enrol them at a future date.

8. Why are member contribution rates being changed now?

Initially, the PDSP contribution rates were established based on projected Plan costs. After five years, member contribution rates have been revised to reflect the PDSP's actual experience. Of course, we will continue to monitor the plan costs and contributions on a regular basis to ensure the long-term sustainability of the PDSP.