Dentists and medicare

[Indadhanu]

Shel doesn't have a HCC so public is well and truly out.

*sigh* bit ridiculous IMO. Dentists should bulk bill. But they don't and can charge anything they like.

[Trillian]

I know and it's terrible when you really need treatment. I used to be a dental nurse and we would let people pay it off - especially if they needed some of the more expensive treatments.

[Indadhanu]

Yeah I think we have to, she really can't wait any longer. Seems so silly though that they don't get a benefit at all!

[Muppity]

Sorry that you are having to go through this Leash but it isn't really that silly that there isn't a benefit.

I am pretty sure that you don't have to have a HCC to put your name on the waiting list for public dentistry - but there is generally a very long wait for it.

When Medicare was first introduced in the late 70's early 80's (it was introduced, then canned then reintroduced) the Commonwealth couldn't afford to fund both dental and optometry so they had to make a call. It was decided that there would be a greater health benefit if people got their eyes checked.

While I know it is hard coming to terms with dentistry costs think of the number of times that you have taken Jas to the doctor since she was born (and even before that) and imagine if you had had to pay for all of those bills. While the medicare system isn't perfect I'm very grateful that it is there for the serious things.

Can Shell ask the dentist if they are able to do the work in stages so that it is easier to afford, or have payment plans? Fingers crossed for the stimulus package to come through for you.