WHEREAS the Medical Services Plan does not currently cover the cost of eye examinations for BC residents who are between the ages of 19 and 64 years of age; or the cost of regular dental checkups and dental cleanings; AND WHEREAS many serious conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and brain tumours, can be detected during a routine eye exam; AND WHEREAS access to routine dental checkups and cleaning may prevent other serious medical problems: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Ministry of Health to include routine eye examinations and basic dental care under the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH SERVICES Medically required eye examinations are a benefit for all Medical Services Plan MSP beneficiaries when there is a medical necessity e.g., eye disease, trauma or injury, or health conditions associated with significant risk to the eyes. Routine eye exams are covered for those 18 years of age and under and 65 years of age and older. The services of dental practitioners are covered by the MSP only under very limited circumstances. Under the Medicare Protection Act and regulations, there is no provision for coverage of dental check-ups, dental cleaning, general dentures, appliances or prostheses, or orthodontic services when provided in hospital or in a private dental office. These benefits are available throughout the province for eligible clients of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. Eligible clients are children under 18 in low income families and all persons with disabilities. Under the Medicare Protection Act and regulations, MSP does provide payment for those surgical dental procedures such as complex extractions and or fractures of the jaws that require hospitalization in order to be performed safely.