Do you have a low income and need coverage for basic dental and vision care for your child or children?
Good oral and visual health is vital to a child’s overall health and development.
Brushing with toothpaste with fluoride, flossing, and regularly visiting a dentist can help a child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Starting at age three, all children should have annual eye exams by an optometrist to help ensure normal vision. Healthy eyes are critical for success in school as 80 per cent of school-age learning is visual.
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision provides coverage for specific dental and vision benefits for children aged 18 and under in low-income families:
- The Dental Program covers basic items, such as regular exams, X-rays and extractions, with some focus on preventative treatments such as sealants and fluoride.
- The Vision Program covers basic items such as a yearly exam, lenses and frames.
Services are provided by members of the New Brunswick Dental Society, the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists, and the Opticians Association of New Brunswick. Contact your preferred dentist or optometrist directly to confirm that they will provide services under the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision plan.
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision is administered by Medavie Blue Cross.
To be eligible for Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision, you must:
- Live in New Brunswick
- Have a dependent child or children aged 18 or younger
- Not have dental and vision coverage through any other government program or private insurance plan
- Have a family net income level not exceeding the following amounts based on the previous year’s New Brunswick Income Tax return(s) or Notice of Assessment(s):
Family Size: Income
2 people: $26,928
3 people: $32,980
4 people: $38,082
5 people: $42,577
6 people: $46,641
7 people: $50,378
8 people $53,856
Please note: For children with dental and vision coverage through the Department of Social Development, coverage is automatically transferred to the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision plan. If you are a client of Social Development, you do not need to apply.
Fill out the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision application form. You can download the form by clicking this link. You can get a paper copy at Service New Brunswick offices and the regional offices of the Department of Social Development. You will need to provide the following documents with your application form:
- Copies of two pieces of identification for each child:
- N.B. Medicare card
- One additional piece of identification, such as a birth certificate, baptismal certificate or Social Insurance card.
- Copy of New Brunswick Income Tax return(s) or Notice of Assessment(s) for parent/guardian and spouse or common-law partner (if applicable).
Please mail or fax your completed application to:
Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision
644 Main Street, P.O. Box 220
Moncton, N.B.
E1C 8L3
Fax: 506-867-4651
After your application is submitted, it will be assessed to see if your child or children qualify. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your application to be processed. You will be notified by mail once a decision has been made. If your child is eligible for coverage, a Medavie Blue Cross card will be issued in their name. You must present the card to your dentist or optometrist at every appointment.
Note: You must reapply to the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program every year.
Parents/guardians must provide :
- Address, contact information
- First and last name
- Birthdate
- Social Insurance number
- Medicare number
- A copy of your New Brunswick Income Tax return(s) or Notice of Assessment(s) for you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable
For all dependents 18 and under living in your household, you will need to provide:
- First and last name
- Birthdate
- Copies of their N.B. Medicare card plus an additional piece of identification for each child
- Details of any health insurance coverage, if applicable