LABOR GOVERNMENT’S ATTEMPT TO SCRAP MEDICARE DENTAL SCHEME BLOCKED
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the Labor Government’s attempt to scrap the Medicare Dental Scheme has been blocked. The Coalition successfully moved a motion of disallowance to block the axing of the programme, meaning the people of Berowra could access dental care.
‘This is a huge win for the people of Berowra. People with chronic and complex dental issues can continue to receive treatment and receive a rebate from Medicare,’ Mr Ruddock said today.
‘The Coalition’s Medicare Dental Scheme has benefited a huge number of Australians in the 6 months it has been operating. The continuation of the scheme means even more Australians can receive dental treatment.’
The Coalition program allows patients with chronic and complex dental health conditions to see the dentist of their choice following a GP referral and provided up to $4250 for treatment over 2 years.
On 2 March, the Minister for Health and Aging confirmed the Rudd Government’s plan to cancel the program. The Minister claimed there was poor uptake, however, from the commencement of the programme on 1 November 2007 to 30 April 2008, 311,943 services were provided.
‘The Coalition remains committed to providing access to Dental services through Medicare for those most in need and I will fight to ensure the people of Berowra are taken care of and I encourage those with chronic and complex dental health issues to visit their GP to discuss a treatment plan.’