Denticare on the way???
 

...but you'll have to pay for it.

Medicare levy rise to cover total dental care


AUSTRALIANS will have access to universal dental health care and be responsible for their own electronic health records under reforms suggested by a Federal Government health commission.

The commission's final report, released publicly today, says there are more than 650,000 people currently on public dental waiting lists and the dental health of children is worsening.

"To address these problems we are recommending a new universal scheme for access to basic dental services - Denticare Australia," the report said.

It will cost an estimated $3.6 billion a year.

It will be funded through an increase in the Medicare levy of 0.75 per cent of an individual's taxable income.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

As long as my private medical insurance rates come down also...which I doubt

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

I'm sure rates would go up due to less people buying extras cover......or that's what they'd say anyway - like with the increases in the income levels for the surcharge.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

Funded by an increase of 0.75% in the Medicare Levy equals about $450 pa ($8.65 per week) for the average full time wage

The government should try to set up Public Dental locations though, rather than fund the private dentists and their expensive habits.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

All my kids get good dental care from the school dental van. Sure there is no ortho work, but thats cosmetic and am comfortable in paying that myself..

Why do we have to pay more. Arent the vans all around OZ?

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

Vans? What vans?. :confused:

If they have them in my bit of NSW they keep them bloody well hidden.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

Only in Primary School in my area. You need to pay more to help my child in Middle school get dental work done :thumbsup: :lol:

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

yes they are in primary Schools, but high school students can keep going to them, mine do.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

We used to have these as kids. Can you tell us all more about how it works now?

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

I will believe it when it gets through parliament. Really needed though.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

Well, when the kids were at primary school the van came to the school for probably 4 months of the year so all the kids get seen.

Now that the kids are in high school we get a reminder for a check up, ring the van, make a time and get seen. If they need something more than a check up, like one of mine needed a tooth pulled, we just called made an appointment and got it sorted. Fillings if needed no problem. Sometimes there can be a week or 3 delay but if urgent they will squeeze us in.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

Only primary schools around here. Very unimpressed with the diagnosis given to my daughter when she went through the van. Gave very dodgy information which subsequently turned out to be completely wrong. When I told them she would not be having their treatment, the nurse concerned as near as damnit called me irresponsible and hoped my daughter didn't suffer because of my actions. :eek:

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

My son went to the Dental bus here in Vic and they said he needed orthodontic treatment we got second opinion yes he needed it and we paid for it. However there are a lot of people who cannot afford the dentist and this leads to other health problems so having this levy even though it may cost me money is a good thing, in fact I never mind contributing more to health. We get the health system we are prepared to pay for in one way or another.

I just would prefer not to have to use it at all and be super woman.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

I can't imagine this scheme covering orthodontic treatment, braces etc.

Re: Denticare on the way???
 

If the scheme is for a medicare style rebate at private dentists:eek: can you imagine the joke of a rebate you will get anyway.

Sounds like the gov needs more tax from us, wave a denticare carrot:sneaky:, and the public will buy it. .

Probably like the teen dental scheme, you get a voucher that can only be used for a clean and check up not any actual treatment:rolleyes:

I would rather the UK scheme, you pay a higher NI levy, however the income tax rates are lower in the first place.

Health care here is very expensive, especially if you also have private cover, as about half the population do, ( probably due to the tax penalty many would pay you get if you dont have it ) Plus all the gaps neither private or medicare cover anyway.