We need to see a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme funded by Medicare!
Recent polling commissioned by COTA Australia and conducted by Essential Research has highlighted the alarming number of older Australians who are putting off dental care due to cost. We need to ensure that our most vulnerable older Australians are able to access the oral and dental health care they need, and that cost is not a barrier to treatment.
Given the broader health and welling implications, especially for older people, we are asking the Federal Government to take urgent steps to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme – a scheme recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety for all residents of nursing homes, pensioners or Seniors Healthcare Card holders living in the community.
While we know that poor Dental Health is a private issue and one that many people find embarrassing, we are keen to hear from any of our clients who have avoided or delayed going to the dentist due to cost. Do you have a story that you'd be willing to share with the broader public? Do you know someone who does? We need case studies to help us raise the profile of the dental crisis facing older Australians and to increase pressure on the Federal Government to introduce a Senior Dental Benefit Scheme, fully funded by Medicare.
Our research told us that:
- 37% of Australians aged 55+ have delaying or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
- 44% of older Australians on lower incomes have delaying or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
- 57% of Australians aged 55+ who say they are financially struggling have delayed or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
- 73% of all Australians support the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme;
- Four in five people (79%) believe dental care should be covered by Medicare; and
- 89% of Australians of all ages who are in serious financial difficulty believe dental care should be covered by Medicare.
Our call for the Federal Government to fund a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule have been backed by the National Oral Health Alliance and its members, including the Australian Dental Association.
You can back us too! Join our community and register your interest in becoming involved in our advocacy here.
