Let’s face it—dental care can be expensive, and it’s something we all need at some point. But when it comes to Medicare, the question on many Australians’ minds is: Does it cover dental? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, so let’s dive into the details.
For most adults, Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care like check-ups, fillings, or cleanings. That means if you’re heading to the dentist for a standard visit, you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket or rely on private health insurance. It’s not ideal, but it’s the reality for now.
However, there are a few exceptions. If you’re a parent, you’ll be glad to know that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides up to $1,013 over two years for basic dental services for kids aged 2-17. This includes everything from check-ups to fillings and even root canals—so it’s a great help for families.
Low-income earners, pensioners, or people with concession cards can get public dental services, but lines are usually very long. It’s not perfect, but it is a lifeline for those that need it most.
Medicare will even help cover costs related to dental care when linked to a health issue. Some costs for instance could be covered when jaw surgery is necessary to fix your mouth following an injury, or some dental conditions stem from chronic issues affecting the patient’s health and might need care in this specific area. That being said, this isn’t typically covered often.
In many cases, people seek private health insurance with dental extras for other medical services. While this will involve some additional costs and restrictions, it does tend to bring dental care more into budgeting possibilities in the long run.
So, while Medicare does not provide dental care to most adults, there are still options available. Whether it’s through public programs, private insurance, or special Medicare support, taking care of your teeth does not have to break the bank. Just check your eligibility and explore what’s available to you!
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