The ongoing review of the National Joint Council Public Service Dental Plan (NJC PSDP) has taken a significant step forward with the recent issuance of an Appeal Committee decision regarding its twinned plan. This plan covers most PIPSC members working in the Core Public Administration and at separate agencies. This decision proposes significant improvements aligning with proposals put forward by PIPSC and other bargaining agents, including:
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A gradual increase in the maximum annual benefit and the lifetime orthodontic benefit to $3,250 from $2,500;
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An increase in coinsurance for approved major restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.) to 65 percent from 50;
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Coverage for Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), bruxism, and tomography when clinically appropriate;
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More flexible coverage when major restoration is required, particularly as a preventative measure or when an existing appliance is failing;
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Automatic coverage for members on leave without pay;
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Employer-paid coverage for members on extended parental leave;
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Sedation dentistry for plan members who require it for safety reasons, such as those with developmental disorders which make receiving dental care challenging;
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Various housekeeping and administrative changes to improve the plan member experience.
PIPSC is very proud to have worked closely with our counterparts from the PSAC to achieve this decision, which the Treasury Board intends to implement by January 2025. PIPSC and our NJC partners are continuing to work with the Treasury Board on minor plan changes to further ensure the plan is well-suited to members facing significant health challenges, such as by adding provisions for cancer dentistry to the plan. Ensuring that this plan prioritizes preventative care and coverage for members facing difficult dental health issues has been the top priority for our members.
Under the current model for plan governance, PSAC belongs to one plan and all other bargaining agents to another (the NJC plan). To benefit from economies of scale and ease of use, the Treasury Board has sought to keep both plans identical. Consequently, PIPSC and its partners from other bargaining agents work in tandem with PSAC to ensure the overall PSDP suits all of our members. PSAC, under their governance model, has access to an arbitration-like board that can make binding recommendations on plan changes. This has resulted in the proposed amendments discussed above.
Once the plan review process is complete, we will post additional information on our website and arrange webinars for plan members. We kindly ask that members wait patiently for further updates.
Lastly, we note that the review of the independent Pensioners' Dental Plan, which covers eligible retirees, continues. This plan and its review is managed by the National Association of Federal Retirees - the representative of retired federal public service workers.