Medicare is meant to help all Australians access affordable healthcare guaranteeing them access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost. Except if you have a dental problem.
Well explained. An excellent analysis and presentation. In WA, 35 y ago, every patient could see a private dentist. They just completed a means test and the Dentist completed a Treatment Plan. The WA Government paid 10-90% of the cost of the plan. The Patient paid 90-10% of the gap, depending on means test.
My mate in Geraldton says it is still in place, because most of WA is very remote from the major centres. So the Gov saves on facilities, equip, running staff and ordering etc.
Instead the Gov just pays a part of the actual treatment.
Matt, I'm an oral cancer patient doing well (8 years on) and have shared this widely and will also share to Head and Neck Cancer Australia where I was an Ambassador for 5 years. Thanks for what you are doing. Denyse
Well explained. An excellent analysis and presentation. In WA, 35 y ago, every patient could see a private dentist. They just completed a means test and the Dentist completed a Treatment Plan. The WA Government paid 10-90% of the cost of the plan. The Patient paid 90-10% of the gap, depending on means test.
Interesting scheme in WA - do you know why they stopped it?
My mate in Geraldton says it is still in place, because most of WA is very remote from the major centres. So the Gov saves on facilities, equip, running staff and ordering etc.
Instead the Gov just pays a part of the actual treatment.
Matt, I'm an oral cancer patient doing well (8 years on) and have shared this widely and will also share to Head and Neck Cancer Australia where I was an Ambassador for 5 years. Thanks for what you are doing. Denyse
Thanks so much - and good to hear that you are doing well.
Oral health care for oral cancer patients is just another gap in the system that we need to address.
I know Head & Neck Cancer Australia has made submissions to MPs too!
Matt - do you have a hash tag for this as yet? I'll promote it on my Linkedin profile too - Denyse below can cover HANCA