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!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I think it's long over due. Dental is something that is put on the back burner by many Australians , the simple reason being they can't afford it.
Even being in a private health fund you don't get much back .

By not visiting your dentist every six months can actually be bad for your overal health.

 

[Chrissie1761]

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!

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.

 

[Rambo10]

Well it’s about time

 

[RFG]

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.

 

[Trina G]

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.

 

[Annna]

This should be brought in.

Private health fund reimbursements are very low and I (and many I know) have discontinued ancillary cover (dental and other cover).

I had to make this decision due to rising costs of living and also because the amount spent on this cover is high and health fund members don't get much back after a dental treatment.

 

[Zemo]

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

 

[ElizaKaye]

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.

 

[Bill MacL]

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.

My waiting time was 2 years

 

[Nanna Tracey]

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!

And so it should be free or at least on a good concession. Bad dental health affects general health so it makes sense.

 

[Petra]

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

hahaha when people have nothing to say, they post this BS. lol $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[mylittletibbies]

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

Who cares??? Don't you have anything better to do?

 

[AlanQ]

given the demand on the public purse and wait times for most public hospital procedures, can only assume the same will result in dental. If it's like the bulk billing for medical will be as great a challenge to find a dentist that will offer bulk billing. If it already exists for healthcare card holder etc and they are still waiting 6-12mths to be seen why would we not expect the same if the program is expanded? Already subsiding private health cover in this country and still those with ancillary cover don't go to dentists unless they really have to. Also keep in mind it would be like a Dr's visit only a very select list of 'free' items would be provided, such as a check up and minor work, very very unlikely to include the high end consults, root canal, orthodontic etc.

 

[Zemo]

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.

 

[Noraya]

ok, it will cost a big amount to be set up, but it will save a lot of money to treat health issues that have been caused by rotten teeth (e g heart problems caused by a prolonged infection of one or more teeth, or digestive probs caused by not being able to chew properly)
I would suggest free or discounted basic treatment, like fillings, root canal, dentures, but you have to pay for specials like implants etc.

 

[Clancieblue]

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.

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.

 

[Luckyus]

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!

Until 2012 I had lost in all five teeth, however after having chemo I now have a full set again, unfortunately this time around they are plastic. Much like a lot of the food that seems to be sold in todays markets? Not forgetting political parties.

 

[Lewis52]

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!

I have believed for years that this would be a great idea as bad oral health is a big reason for other health problems. In the long run it would reduce general health issues that are caused by bad dental care

 

[AlanQ]

Oh dear! My tooth has started throbbing, 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.

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.