Access to dental care has long been a sore subject for many Australians.

Under the current system, visiting the dentist and paying for treatments can put a big dent in many household budgets.

Now, a massive Medicare shake-up is being proposed that could change all that.

Medicare's potential expansion to include free dental care for all Australians is a monumental proposal that could redefine healthcare in the country.

However, this ambitious plan comes with a hefty price tag—an additional $12 billion per year from taxpayers' pockets.

A proposal to include dental healthcare under Medicare’s coverage has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler. Image source: prostooleh on Freepik.

The proposal, which has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler, is the result of a senate inquiry into the current state of dental care in Australia.

The inquiry's findings have highlighted a significant gap in the healthcare system, with many Australians forgoing necessary dental treatments due to the prohibitive costs.

As it stands, except for children under 17 who meet certain criteria and some concession cardholders, dental services are not covered by Medicare, leaving the majority of patients to pay out of pocket.

Grattan Institute's 2023 report painted a concerning picture: 32 per cent of Australians who needed dental care chose to skip it, with cost being the primary deterrent for half of them.

This equates to millions of Australians neglecting their dental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for their overall well-being.

The report suggested that the upcoming revision of the National Health Reform Agreement could serve as a platform to negotiate a new dental scheme between federal and state governments.

The Parliamentary Budget Office has explored various models to integrate dental care into Medicare as part of a Greens-led inquiry, which also involved representatives from both Labor and the Coalition.

Four different systems were costed, with both capped and uncapped benefit options.

The most comprehensive approach, which offers coverage for all Medicare cardholders, would require an investment of $8.3 billion over five years for the capped version and $11.6 billion for the uncapped.

Another approach is the means-tested model which will target those on income support and pensioners would cost between $3 billion for the capped version and $4 billion for the uncapped version.

The third approach will provide full coverage exclusively for those over 65 and would cost $1.7 billion to $2 billion, while the fourth approach, which is a preventive care-only option, would range from $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion.

To put these figures into perspective, Medicare's budget for the last financial year was $31 billion, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had a $37 billion cost.

The inclusion of dental treatments in Medicare has been a long-standing consideration, dating back to the program's inception in the 1970s, but was ultimately excluded due to budgetary constraints.

The average Australian currently pays around $230 for a standard dentist visit, according to health directory Cleanbill.

This cost barrier has led to a significant portion of the population neglecting their dental health, which can lead to more severe health issues down the line.

Key Takeaways

• A Senate inquiry has proposed that Medicare in Australia be expanded to include free dental care, which could cost taxpayers an extra $12 billion a year.
• Under the current system, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare, with exceptions for certain children under 17 years old and concession card holders.
• A range of options for expanding dental coverage under Medicare has been costed, including both capped and uncapped versions of across-the-board coverage, means-tested rebates, over-65s coverage, and preventive care coverage.
• Dental treatments were originally intended to be included in Medicare when it was established in the 1970s but were cut due to budgetary reasons.

Members, what are your thoughts on this update to Medicare coverage? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[gollywog]

This should have been covered from the beginning, for children and pensioners it already exists, should be available to all Australians and not just aboriginal either but all Australians.

Well said Chrissie 1761, you used the 'key' words: ALL Australians!!

 

[Jarred Santos]

Journalism 101: why include the dollar sign in the head ($12 billion dollars)?

Oh dear, thanks for the catch @Zemo! It's been corrected now. Apologies for the oversight!

 

[Zemo]

Oh dear, thanks for the catch @Zemo! It's been corrected now. Apologies for the oversight!

Pedants rool, OK?

 

[Rain72]

Access to dental care has long been a sore subject for many Australians.

Under the current system, visiting the dentist and paying for treatments can put a big dent in many household budgets.

Now, a massive Medicare shake-up is being proposed that could change all that.

Medicare's potential expansion to include free dental care for all Australians is a monumental proposal that could redefine healthcare in the country.

However, this ambitious plan comes with a hefty price tag—an additional $12 billion per year from taxpayers' pockets.

View attachment 39025

A proposal to include dental healthcare under Medicare’s coverage has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler. Image source: prostooleh on Freepik.

The proposal, which has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler, is the result of a senate inquiry into the current state of dental care in Australia.

The inquiry's findings have highlighted a significant gap in the healthcare system, with many Australians forgoing necessary dental treatments due to the prohibitive costs.

As it stands, except for children under 17 who meet certain criteria and some concession cardholders, dental services are not covered by Medicare, leaving the majority of patients to pay out of pocket.

Grattan Institute's 2023 report painted a concerning picture: 32 per cent of Australians who needed dental care chose to skip it, with cost being the primary deterrent for half of them.

This equates to millions of Australians neglecting their dental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for their overall well-being.

The report suggested that the upcoming revision of the National Health Reform Agreement could serve as a platform to negotiate a new dental scheme between federal and state governments.

The Parliamentary Budget Office has explored various models to integrate dental care into Medicare as part of a Greens-led inquiry, which also involved representatives from both Labor and the Coalition.

Four different systems were costed, with both capped and uncapped benefit options.

The most comprehensive approach, which offers coverage for all Medicare cardholders, would require an investment of $8.3 billion over five years for the capped version and $11.6 billion for the uncapped.

Another approach is the means-tested model which will target those on income support and pensioners would cost between $3 billion for the capped version and $4 billion for the uncapped version.

The third approach will provide full coverage exclusively for those over 65 and would cost $1.7 billion to $2 billion, while the fourth approach, which is a preventive care-only option, would range from $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion.

To put these figures into perspective, Medicare's budget for the last financial year was $31 billion, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had a $37 billion cost.

The inclusion of dental treatments in Medicare has been a long-standing consideration, dating back to the program's inception in the 1970s, but was ultimately excluded due to budgetary constraints.

The average Australian currently pays around $230 for a standard dentist visit, according to health directory Cleanbill.

This cost barrier has led to a significant portion of the population neglecting their dental health, which can lead to more severe health issues down the line.

Key Takeaways

• A Senate inquiry has proposed that Medicare in Australia be expanded to include free dental care, which could cost taxpayers an extra $12 billion a year.
• Under the current system, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare, with exceptions for certain children under 17 years old and concession card holders.
• A range of options for expanding dental coverage under Medicare has been costed, including both capped and uncapped versions of across-the-board coverage, means-tested rebates, over-65s coverage, and preventive care coverage.
• Dental treatments were originally intended to be included in Medicare when it was established in the 1970s but were cut due to budgetary reasons.

Members, what are your thoughts on this update to Medicare coverage? Let us know in the comments below!

For a long time, I have believed dental care should be covered and been concerned about the fact that so many people simply can't afford it and their overall health suffers. But on the other hand, just how much more debt can this country afford? The handouts have gone from the absurd to the utterly ridiculous. We have to draw lines somewhere. This isn't where I would draw it. I would be cutting back on NDIS, which is making huge handouts to people with marginal or no legitimate need. I would cut back on some types of pension. And I would abolish the aged care means test and change the retirement tax system, which I believe would result in major savings and a healthier society. But I don't think any of those things will happen. I suspect Labor will grasp the chance to win more voters over and show little regard for the cost to taxpayers. Personally, I would benefit and be grateful, but I'm still not sure it's the right thing to do.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

I'll believe it when I see it.
I'll also be interested to see (a) what percentage of Dentists enrol in any new scheme, and (b) how many, if any, new Dentists come into the country to fulfil the increased demand?
If it's like every other situation where Governments decide to interfere with Supply&Demand.... Oh dear.

 

[Francesl]

Access to dental care has long been a sore subject for many Australians.

Under the current system, visiting the dentist and paying for treatments can put a big dent in many household budgets.

Now, a massive Medicare shake-up is being proposed that could change all that.

Medicare's potential expansion to include free dental care for all Australians is a monumental proposal that could redefine healthcare in the country.

However, this ambitious plan comes with a hefty price tag—an additional $12 billion per year from taxpayers' pockets.

View attachment 39025

A proposal to include dental healthcare under Medicare’s coverage has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler. Image source: prostooleh on Freepik.

The proposal, which has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler, is the result of a senate inquiry into the current state of dental care in Australia.

The inquiry's findings have highlighted a significant gap in the healthcare system, with many Australians forgoing necessary dental treatments due to the prohibitive costs.

As it stands, except for children under 17 who meet certain criteria and some concession cardholders, dental services are not covered by Medicare, leaving the majority of patients to pay out of pocket.

Grattan Institute's 2023 report painted a concerning picture: 32 per cent of Australians who needed dental care chose to skip it, with cost being the primary deterrent for half of them.

This equates to millions of Australians neglecting their dental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for their overall well-being.

The report suggested that the upcoming revision of the National Health Reform Agreement could serve as a platform to negotiate a new dental scheme between federal and state governments.

The Parliamentary Budget Office has explored various models to integrate dental care into Medicare as part of a Greens-led inquiry, which also involved representatives from both Labor and the Coalition.

Four different systems were costed, with both capped and uncapped benefit options.

The most comprehensive approach, which offers coverage for all Medicare cardholders, would require an investment of $8.3 billion over five years for the capped version and $11.6 billion for the uncapped.

Another approach is the means-tested model which will target those on income support and pensioners would cost between $3 billion for the capped version and $4 billion for the uncapped version.

The third approach will provide full coverage exclusively for those over 65 and would cost $1.7 billion to $2 billion, while the fourth approach, which is a preventive care-only option, would range from $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion.

To put these figures into perspective, Medicare's budget for the last financial year was $31 billion, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had a $37 billion cost.

The inclusion of dental treatments in Medicare has been a long-standing consideration, dating back to the program's inception in the 1970s, but was ultimately excluded due to budgetary constraints.

The average Australian currently pays around $230 for a standard dentist visit, according to health directory Cleanbill.

This cost barrier has led to a significant portion of the population neglecting their dental health, which can lead to more severe health issues down the line.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

• A Senate inquiry has proposed that Medicare in Australia be expanded to include free dental care, which could cost taxpayers an extra $12 billion a year.
• Under the current system, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare, with exceptions for certain children under 17 years old and concession card holders.
• A range of options for expanding dental coverage under Medicare has been costed, including both capped and uncapped versions of across-the-board coverage, means-tested rebates, over-65s coverage, and preventive care coverage.
• Dental treatments were originally intended to be included in Medicare when it was established in the 1970s but were cut due to budgetary reasons.

Members, what are your thoughts on this update to Medicare coverage? Let us know in the comments below!

Instead of telling us how much it would cost why don’t you put a positive spin on it. E.g. For ONLY an increase in xxx Australians would receive x amount of benefits in dental care. This could provide other health benefits since bad teeth are detrimental to people’s health.
Please explain why news is always put in such a depressing way. This could be an extremely beneficial move for all Australians. Maybe pensioners could get back some of the dental care that was taken away from them 10 years or so ago! -

 

[Chris Hills]

Access to dental care has long been a sore subject for many Australians.

Under the current system, visiting the dentist and paying for treatments can put a big dent in many household budgets.

Now, a massive Medicare shake-up is being proposed that could change all that.

Medicare's potential expansion to include free dental care for all Australians is a monumental proposal that could redefine healthcare in the country.

However, this ambitious plan comes with a hefty price tag—an additional $12 billion per year from taxpayers' pockets.

View attachment 39025

A proposal to include dental healthcare under Medicare’s coverage has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler. Image source: prostooleh on Freepik.

The proposal, which has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler, is the result of a senate inquiry into the current state of dental care in Australia.

The inquiry's findings have highlighted a significant gap in the healthcare system, with many Australians forgoing necessary dental treatments due to the prohibitive costs.

As it stands, except for children under 17 who meet certain criteria and some concession cardholders, dental services are not covered by Medicare, leaving the majority of patients to pay out of pocket.

Grattan Institute's 2023 report painted a concerning picture: 32 per cent of Australians who needed dental care chose to skip it, with cost being the primary deterrent for half of them.

This equates to millions of Australians neglecting their dental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for their overall well-being.

The report suggested that the upcoming revision of the National Health Reform Agreement could serve as a platform to negotiate a new dental scheme between federal and state governments.

The Parliamentary Budget Office has explored various models to integrate dental care into Medicare as part of a Greens-led inquiry, which also involved representatives from both Labor and the Coalition.

Four different systems were costed, with both capped and uncapped benefit options.

The most comprehensive approach, which offers coverage for all Medicare cardholders, would require an investment of $8.3 billion over five years for the capped version and $11.6 billion for the uncapped.

Another approach is the means-tested model which will target those on income support and pensioners would cost between $3 billion for the capped version and $4 billion for the uncapped version.

The third approach will provide full coverage exclusively for those over 65 and would cost $1.7 billion to $2 billion, while the fourth approach, which is a preventive care-only option, would range from $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion.

To put these figures into perspective, Medicare's budget for the last financial year was $31 billion, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had a $37 billion cost.

The inclusion of dental treatments in Medicare has been a long-standing consideration, dating back to the program's inception in the 1970s, but was ultimately excluded due to budgetary constraints.

The average Australian currently pays around $230 for a standard dentist visit, according to health directory Cleanbill.

This cost barrier has led to a significant portion of the population neglecting their dental health, which can lead to more severe health issues down the line.

Key Takeaways

• A Senate inquiry has proposed that Medicare in Australia be expanded to include free dental care, which could cost taxpayers an extra $12 billion a year.
• Under the current system, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare, with exceptions for certain children under 17 years old and concession card holders.
• A range of options for expanding dental coverage under Medicare has been costed, including both capped and uncapped versions of across-the-board coverage, means-tested rebates, over-65s coverage, and preventive care coverage.
• Dental treatments were originally intended to be included in Medicare when it was established in the 1970s but were cut due to budgetary reasons.

Members, what are your thoughts on this update to Medicare coverage? Let us know in the comments below!

About time. Option 1 or 2.

 

[Clancieblue]

usually a drug addicts teeth have rotted from their use. More likely they would just have them pulled (in prison) but not likely to get a well fitting set of dentures.

All drug addicts don't necessarily end up in prison. Many are sitting in hospital emergency departments,
expecting help for self-inflicted issues. Not denying anyone assistance, but the elderly seem to be continually on the back burner.

 

[myopinion]

A well overdue addition to our health care. My concern is that will there be enough dentists to do the work. Will this be like the doctors, in my area it is a constantly changing locum.

 

[Ngarmada]

I think it’s a great idea but the cost to Medicare would be huge. Even a modest increase in the Medicare levy would help offset this. Of course you will get the whingers and nay sayers but you get nothing for nothing.

A "modest" Medicare levy increase to defray an added dental cost of 35%, observes the same dysfunctional economic thinking that caused the issue.

The Govt that introduced Medicare may have been prudent in leaving dental treatment out of its implementation, but it would have known that adding dental treatment later would observe a political dogfight over its cost,
.... given the Machiavellian attitudes to Medicare retained by the common ideology of the Coalition parties.

The primary dynamic question defining the issue is how much is added to public health costs from poor dental health outcomes?
.... And that comparative analysis probably reconfirms this dental initiative long overdue.

The dynamic management problem now defining the issue, as common to the problem of the ongoing energy crisis in this country, as absurd,
- is since global adoption of the ideology of neoliberal economics from the 1980s,
- Australian Govts have 'no skin in the game' within the general market,'
- as realised from its cause of the specious neoliberal economic platitude to 'cut red tape,' to cut costs,
- which effectively defines the market dominated by its health industry, when,
- in fact Govt is its major player.

To put that observation into perspective, within the market for general medical health, the current Australian Govt has built/is building, public health clinics at specific locations, for the purpose;
- of relieving burden on public medical health facilities alike hospitals, and,
- driving competition within the GP market to elicit competent GP service delivery at affordable prices.

The same initiative could be introduced with comprehensive public dental health clinics.

Just why Govt politicians cannot further project such competent management initiative, may define an existential crisis of our time?

 

[Suzanne rose]

Journalism 101: why include the dollar sign in the head ($12 billion

 

[Ashmenou]

This should have been covered from the beginning, for children and pensioners it already exists, should be available to all Australians and not just aboriginal either but all Australians.

What treatment does a pensioner might receive? Just pulling teeth out isn’t the solution

 

[Suzanne rose]

A "modest" Medicare levy increase to defray an added dental cost of 35%, observes the same dysfunctional economic thinking that caused the issue.

The Govt that introduced Medicare may have been prudent in leaving dental treatment out of its implementation, but it would have known that adding dental treatment later would observe a political dogfight over its cost,
.... given the Machiavellian attitudes to Medicare retained by the common ideology of the Coalition parties.

The primary dynamic question defining the issue is how much is added to public health costs from poor dental health outcomes?
.... And that comparative analysis probably reconfirms this dental initiative long overdue.

The dynamic management problem now defining the issue, as common to the problem of the ongoing energy crisis in this country, as absurd,
- is since global adoption of the ideology of neoliberal economics from the 1980s,
- Australian Govts have 'no skin in the game' within the general market,'
- as realised from its cause of the specious neoliberal economic platitude to 'cut red tape,' to cut costs,
- which effectively defines the market dominated by its health industry, when,
- in fact Govt is its major player.

To put that observation into perspective, within the market for general medical health, the current Australian Govt has built/is building, public health clinics at specific locations, for the purpose;
- of relieving burden on public medical health facilities alike hospitals, and,
- driving competition within the GP market to elicit competent GP service delivery at affordable prices.

The same initiative could be introduced with comprehensive public dental health clinics.

Just why Govt politicians cannot further project such competent management initiative, may define an existential crisis of our time?

I hope your user name isn't your mobile number!! Or is it someone's number you don't like

 

[Brody]

usually a drug addicts teeth have rotted from their use. More likely they would just have them pulled (in prison) but not likely to get a well fitting set of dentures.

Just for the heck of it, my Grandson had to have a Molar taken out. He is a Disability Pensioner, the cost of taking out one tooth was $500 Dollars.
1 tooth for 500 Dollars. That is approximately half of one Pension..
It should have been gold plated.
That little expense was taken out on last Thursday.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Who cares? Everybody should care ... why bastardise the English language more than it already is? Why accept the shocking linguistic standards offered by the "news" services, written by poorly educated copy writers and spouted by pretty heads who don't comprehend what they're saying? The latest example: a "journalist" on last night's weather report mentioned that 100 millilitres of rain had fallen in a short time.
I rest my case, m'lud.

Well I agree with you there, my husband calls me the spelling police, but most people reading these newsletters aren't interested in having a spelling or English lesson IMO, but I maybe wrong.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I am a pensioner and I have a black hole in my front tooth, but because I am in no pain with it I have to be put on a waiting list with the Community Dentist. I have already been on the list for 6 months. But have been told they can't do anything until my name comes up again. Who knows how long that will be.

Tell them it's hurting and it will be fixed quickly. If you leave it then it will be harder and more expensive to repair . If you are on a pension then won't cost you

 

[Suzanne rose]

Well I agree with you there, my husband calls me the spelling police, but most people reading these newsletters aren't interested in having a spelling or English lesson IMO, but I maybe wrong.

You are correct , at one stage there were to many spelling / grammar police. It's not a formal website and how many of our phones / tablets spell by themselves

 

[Mika in the van]

I think it’s a great idea but the cost to Medicare would be huge. Even a modest increase in the Medicare levy would help offset this. Of course you will get the whingers and nay sayers but you get nothing for nothing.

Only someone with money would think this.

 

[Clancieblue]

Just for the heck of it, my Grandson had to have a Molar taken out. He is a Disability Pensioner, the cost of taking out one tooth was $500 Dollars.
1 tooth for 500 Dollars. That is approximately half of one Pension..
It should have been gold plated.
That little expense was taken out on last Thursday.

Couldn't he have gone to a hospital oral clinic?

 

[Mucha]

Access to dental care has long been a sore subject for many Australians.

Under the current system, visiting the dentist and paying for treatments can put a big dent in many household budgets.

Now, a massive Medicare shake-up is being proposed that could change all that.

Medicare's potential expansion to include free dental care for all Australians is a monumental proposal that could redefine healthcare in the country.

However, this ambitious plan comes with a hefty price tag—an additional $12 billion per year from taxpayers' pockets.

View attachment 39025

A proposal to include dental healthcare under Medicare’s coverage has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler. Image source: prostooleh on Freepik.

The proposal, which has been presented to Health Minister Mark Butler, is the result of a senate inquiry into the current state of dental care in Australia.

The inquiry's findings have highlighted a significant gap in the healthcare system, with many Australians forgoing necessary dental treatments due to the prohibitive costs.

As it stands, except for children under 17 who meet certain criteria and some concession cardholders, dental services are not covered by Medicare, leaving the majority of patients to pay out of pocket.

Grattan Institute's 2023 report painted a concerning picture: 32 per cent of Australians who needed dental care chose to skip it, with cost being the primary deterrent for half of them.

This equates to millions of Australians neglecting their dental health, which can have far-reaching consequences for their overall well-being.

The report suggested that the upcoming revision of the National Health Reform Agreement could serve as a platform to negotiate a new dental scheme between federal and state governments.

The Parliamentary Budget Office has explored various models to integrate dental care into Medicare as part of a Greens-led inquiry, which also involved representatives from both Labor and the Coalition.

Four different systems were costed, with both capped and uncapped benefit options.

The most comprehensive approach, which offers coverage for all Medicare cardholders, would require an investment of $8.3 billion over five years for the capped version and $11.6 billion for the uncapped.

Another approach is the means-tested model which will target those on income support and pensioners would cost between $3 billion for the capped version and $4 billion for the uncapped version.

The third approach will provide full coverage exclusively for those over 65 and would cost $1.7 billion to $2 billion, while the fourth approach, which is a preventive care-only option, would range from $2.7 billion to $3.8 billion.

To put these figures into perspective, Medicare's budget for the last financial year was $31 billion, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had a $37 billion cost.

The inclusion of dental treatments in Medicare has been a long-standing consideration, dating back to the program's inception in the 1970s, but was ultimately excluded due to budgetary constraints.

The average Australian currently pays around $230 for a standard dentist visit, according to health directory Cleanbill.

This cost barrier has led to a significant portion of the population neglecting their dental health, which can lead to more severe health issues down the line.

Key Takeaways

• A Senate inquiry has proposed that Medicare in Australia be expanded to include free dental care, which could cost taxpayers an extra $12 billion a year.
• Under the current system, most dental treatments are not covered by Medicare, with exceptions for certain children under 17 years old and concession card holders.
• A range of options for expanding dental coverage under Medicare has been costed, including both capped and uncapped versions of across-the-board coverage, means-tested rebates, over-65s coverage, and preventive care coverage.
• Dental treatments were originally intended to be included in Medicare when it was established in the 1970s but were cut due to budgetary reasons.

Members, what are your thoughts on this update to Medicare coverage? Let us know in the comments below!

It's long overdue. It may also inspire some dentists to reduce charges. A system of co-payment could also be something that the government should consider as the current medical insurance does very little to alleviate the problem. An implant costs in Australia around $7000. The same one you can get at $2000 in some European countries, and they are just as good.