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Written by Hanna Lee Copy Editor, Digital News
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Good morning. Some Canadians who qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan say they're baffled by opaque coverage denials. We'll get into that below, as well as whether dark patterns are afoot on the Uber app, and the story of a Congolese aid worker at the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak.
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FEATURED STORIES
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(Sébastien Bozon/AFP)
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Man denied dental coverage under national plan says insurer 'playing games' with Canadians
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The Canadian Dental Care Plan is meant to make dental care more affordable for millions of Canadians. But Walter Bossé of Kirkland, Que., says Sun Life, which administers the claims, is undermining the plan's purpose.
What's happening: Bossé says he's had multiple pre-authorization requests for crowns denied, even after his dentist submitted the proper documentation. Sun Life's expense estimate decision, which CBC News reviewed, said he did not meet the plan's policies and coverage criteria. But he hasn't been given a precise reason for the denial, and fears the insurer is turning down claims to mitigate payouts.
Why it matters: Jenny Kwan, the NDP MP for Vancouver East, says she's heard similar complaints from several constituents. Her concern is that these denials are impacting people's health, as many residents can't afford to pay out of pocket for dental care. Meanwhile, the Canadian Dental Association is calling for more clarity around eligibility, saying that frequent denials are delaying care for patients and creating an administrative burden for dentists. (Sun Life directed questions to Health Canada, which said the insurer is processing a high volume of claims efficiently.)
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Uber accused of charging Canadian customers for memberships they never signed up for
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Several Canadians told CBC News they were signed up for Uber One memberships without their knowledge and only caught the issue when they noticed odd charges on their credit cards.
What's happening: The company told CBC News it does not sign users up without consent for the monthly membership, which provides discounts on ride-share and food delivery services. Experts say it may be an example of dark patterns, or manipulative user interfaces that are meant to get people to make unintended decisions online.
Why it matters: Though Uber Canada denies using dark patterns, some fear the issue is bigger than just one company. For example, in 2024, Canada's privacy commissioner assessed 145 websites and apps and found that 99 per cent of them had at least one indicator of dark patterns. Experts say they are being used more in Canada, and some advocates say the government should protect consumers better.
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Congolese aid worker says he narrowly escaped angry mob outside Ebola hospital
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Kalongo Rwabikanga, a Congolese aid worker, was attacked in one of three incidents in recent weeks against health-care facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where misinformation about Ebola is rapidly spreading alongside the virus.
What's happening: Some residents believe non-governmental organizations are responsible for bringing Ebola into their country, while others believe there is no disease at all. "Let's not forget that Ebola is a white man's invention," said one resident. Aid workers say they face the double threat of Ebola and community uproar every time they go in to help.
Why it matters: The relatively rare Bundibugyo strain was likely spreading for weeks before being detected, as officials were testing for a different strain. As a result, by the time people go to the hospital, the disease has likely already taken hold, and many have died in care. That's in turn fuelled more rumours. Meanwhile, many residents are also angry about being prevented from retrieving their loved ones' bodies to carry out last rites; contact with diseased bodies is one way the virus spreads.
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