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!

 

[Littleboy8]

Brody
No doubt you are better informed, than I am, so what was the outcome of that ?
I would appreciate any information you would like to give me. I must confess I haven't been able to keep up with the proceedings.

Read the post

 

[kiwi.]

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!

As a 72 year old I can't wear dentures as I have very shallow palette and a condition called Dry mouth. I haven't been able to eat anything solid for around 20years.

 

[donellefeltham@ gmail.com]

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!

 

[Catherines]

What then will happen to what one is entitled to from a private health fund? Will they be allowed to repay us back the difference between Medicare and actual cost? My husband had a tooth removed a few days ago, total cost $300. With our health fund we were covered for all but $75. For podiatry, physiotherapy @ $85 each we are out of pocket just $17. Will we lose our $75 from our private fund just because the government is giving us back their 85% perhaps on dental, will dental fees escalate to ridiculous amounts? Our husband/wife joint contribution is $265 a fortnight and at that rate I expect to get back good returns on all items covered but, like Medicare now, I'm sure there will be no refund from our health fund as well as from Medicare and we'll be out of pocket once more.

We both retired in 2004 and 2005 and have continued with our private health (me in MBF from 1965). That's a lot of money for us to lose if we end up opting out of private health like so many others who rely on the government system because they cannot afford private cover. With all medical costs we should be given the choice - take it on and pay a little out of your own pocket or rely on the government BUT don't penalise those that choose private cover by not letting funds cover them.

 

[GillyH]

Oh dear! My tooth has started throbbing, is what you need to tell them, doesn't always pay to be so honest.
I bet all the drug addicts are in front of you. (I don't condone dishonesty, but this is unfair)
I saw elderly residents in aged care wait far to long for help.

My Mum was on the waiting list until recently. They have such a back log. she got referred to a private dentist that takes on public patients. She did have to pay a small amount.

 

[Knell]

What then will happen to what one is entitled to from a private health fund? Will they be allowed to repay us back the difference between Medicare and actual cost? My husband had a tooth removed a few days ago, total cost $300. With our health fund we were covered for all but $75. For podiatry, physiotherapy @ $85 each we are out of pocket just $17. Will we lose our $75 from our private fund just because the government is giving us back their 85% perhaps on dental, will dental fees escalate to ridiculous amounts? Our husband/wife joint contribution is $265 a fortnight and at that rate I expect to get back good returns on all items covered but, like Medicare now, I'm sure there will be no refund from our health fund as well as from Medicare and we'll be out of pocket once more.

We both retired in 2004 and 2005 and have continued with our private health (me in MBF from 1965). That's a lot of money for us to lose if we end up opting out of private health like so many others who rely on the government system because they cannot afford private cover. With all medical costs we should be given the choice - take it on and pay a little out of your own pocket or rely on the government BUT don't penalise those that choose private cover by not letting funds cover them.

I think that will be up to the Private Health Funds to make that decision if any change happens.

 

[GillyH]

What then will happen to what one is entitled to from a private health fund? Will they be allowed to repay us back the difference between Medicare and actual cost? My husband had a tooth removed a few days ago, total cost $300. With our health fund we were covered for all but $75. For podiatry, physiotherapy @ $85 each we are out of pocket just $17. Will we lose our $75 from our private fund just because the government is giving us back their 85% perhaps on dental, will dental fees escalate to ridiculous amounts? Our husband/wife joint contribution is $265 a fortnight and at that rate I expect to get back good returns on all items covered but, like Medicare now, I'm sure there will be no refund from our health fund as well as from Medicare and we'll be out of pocket once more.

We both retired in 2004 and 2005 and have continued with our private health (me in MBF from 1965). That's a lot of money for us to lose if we end up opting out of private health like so many others who rely on the government system because they cannot afford private cover. With all medical costs we should be given the choice - take it on and pay a little out of your own pocket or rely on the government BUT don't penalise those that choose private cover by not letting funds cover them.

We have just cancelled our extras on our fund a extra $2000 a year for two of us wasn't worth it! free designer glasses. Plus 2 dental checks a year & physio or massage capped at $270. Still doesn't add up to $2000. I now go for my Free Medicare eye checks, prescription glasses with $39 frames. The dental check once a year as I look after my teeth.

 

[Knell]

We have just cancelled our extras on our fund a extra $2000 a year for two of us wasn't worth it! free designer glasses. Plus 2 dental checks a year & physio or massage capped at $270. Still doesn't add up to $2000. I now go for my Free Medicare eye checks, prescription glasses with $39 frames. The dental check once a year as I look after my teeth.

And if you are facing a life threatening situation - you will be taken to a major PUBLIC hospital. They still provide the BEST emergency care.

 

[GillyH]

Absolutely needed & long overdue. Many skip a dentist due to the cost but by doing this it can lead to other health problems. I know someone in their 40's who pulls his own teeth out & that is terrible.

If you friend pulls his own teeth out. I wouldn't think his gums have been in a healthy state for a long time. He probably avoids the dentist anyway. Yes we definately need at least the basics covered. check up scale & clean basic xrays a few fillings. I was a Dental assistant for years some dental problems is due to neglect.

 

[GillyH]

And if you are facing a life threatening situation - you will be taken to a major PUBLIC hospital. They still provide the BEST emergency care.

We still have top hospital at this stage, When my father needed his hip replacement, he had put it off & didn't want to wait years in the public system. So he had it done straight away paid $1000 out of his own pocket. done & dusted straight away.

 

[Littleboy8]

We still have top hospital at this stage, When my father needed his hip replacement, he had put it off & didn't want to wait years in the public system. So he had it done straight away paid $1000 out of his own pocket. done & dusted straight away.

Blimey when I broke my hip I was operated on that night and had a total hip replacement in frankston public hospital and payed nothing.

 

[GillyH]

Blimey when I broke my hip I was operated on that night and had a total hip replacement in frankston public hospital and payed nothing.

Quicker service if you break something, wear & tear is abit different

 

[Knell]

Blimey when I broke my hip I was operated on that night and had a total hip replacement in frankston public hospital and payed nothing.

Ouch!

 

[Littleboy8]

Ouch!

2 years and it’s still ouching

 

[Littleboy8]

Quicker service if you break something, wear & tear is abit different

Didn’t know that thanks.

 

[Knell]

2 years and it’s still ouching

Yes, that is a bad injury!

 

[alistev]

long overdue recognition that dental is part of the WHOLE treatment plied by pollies etc in regards to health care - except that care which starts at the face level, dentistry includes jaw and the teeth held within. Can't have WHOLE care without the first ingredient - what is noted in digestion - chewing and swallowing food so that it can pass down the oesphagus to the awaiting digestive juices ... I am aged pensioner, single, and pay into ancillary to get some help with other than dentistry needs, top hospital, dental fund which together pay for my 6 monthly check and cleans and xrays if required. But it is a lot out of the pension and to have basic hygiene, basic denture covered by medicare would go a long way towards better health for all ages and the drain on hospital dental clinics as would be treated at dental surgeries within a reasonable time. A visiting clinic like for schools could also expand into nursing homes (but then they are there to die so why treat) so that some are not choking because of their general mouth condition. Need I go on and on and on.....

 

[Clancieblue]

Blimey when I broke my hip I was operated on that night and had a total hip replacement in frankston public hospital and payed nothing.

I believe there is a difference between a hip replacement, due to wear and tear, and a broken hip that needs immediate surgery. If you were waiting for a hip replacement in a public hospital, you could be waiting 12 months or more.

 

[Hel]

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, many other health issues can be avoided by good dental health and it's so expensive it's beyond the means of too many Aussies.

 

[kiwidi29]

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!