DATE: March 13, 2006

TO: 

• Compensation Managers
• Heads of Human Resources
• Participating Separate employers

SUBJECT: Information concerning the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan

The purpose of this notice is to ask you to inform your current personnel of the amendments to the Pensioners' Dental Services Plan (PDSP). Please ensure that, where available and in consultation with your Director General of Communications, this Information Notice is posted on the Web site of your organization.

The PDSP is a voluntary dental services plan established by the Government of Canada on January 1, 2001. It provides dental services coverage to eligible federal pensioners and their eligible family members, including survivors. The following plan changes will come into force effective April 1, 2006:

• The PDSP contribution rates will be reduced ;
• PDSP Rules have been amended and include some minor plan improvements.

Reduction in member contribution rates

We are very pleased to announce that member contribution rates will be reduced. The following table sets out the changes to members contribution rates effective April 1, 2006.

Category	Jan. 1, 2001	April 1, 2006
1. Pensioners Only	$16.00	$12.50
2. Pensioner and one eligible family member	$31.96	$25.50
3. Pensioner and more than one eligible family member	$47.96	$36.20

Amendments to the PDSP Rules

Enrolment deadlines have been removed. Effective April 1, 2006:

• Pensioners who enrol within 60 days of effective retirement date will became members from that date. This will ensure continued dental coverage upon retirement.
• Pensioners who did not choose to enrol in the PDSP within the initial 60-day period after their retirement date may apply at any time. In this case, coverage will start the first of the second month following the date the duly completed form is received.
• In both of these cases, pensioners must remain members for at least three full calendar years; and if they leave the PDSP voluntarily, they cannot become members again.
• Contribution rates will be required from the first full month of retirement. If the retirement effective date is other than the first of a month, deductions will start the first of the following month.

There are other minor plan improvements that have been incorporated in the new PDSP Rules.

For more information on PDSP enrolment and eligibility, see the following documents:

• Pensioners Information Notice
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• Booklet - Pensioners' Dental Services Plan - Enrolment Information and Plan Summary
• Pensioners' Dental Services Plan - Rules (April 1, 2006)

Your questions can be directed to the Compensation and Benefits Sector of your organization.