Teenagers Urged to Have Free Dental Checkups
Teenagers have been reminded to book a Medicare-subsidised dental checkup before the end of the year.
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Joint release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Human Services
Minister for Social Inclusion
9 December 2011Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Human Services Minister Tanya Plibersek today reminded teenagers to book a Medicare subsidised dental check up before the end of the year.
Ms Roxon said vouchers for check ups under the Medicare Teen Dental Plan sent to households with eligible teenagers for the 2011 calendar year must be used by December 31.
“The Government introduced the Medicare Teen Dental Plan in 2008 to help families meet the cost of keeping their teenagers’ teeth in good health,” said Ms Roxon.
“This is a great program to help families, and already 1.4 million dental checks have been provided nationwide.”
Under the plan, families can claim up to $159.85 this year for their eligible teenagers aged 12–17 years, towards the cost of an annual preventative dental check up.
Ms Plibersek said more than 270,000 services worth more than $42 million had been claimed by teenagers from January to October this year.
“It’s important for families to remind teenagers to take the voucher, along with their Medicare card to the dentist to get a check-up,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Some dentists will bulk bill for the service while others will ask for upfront payment which can be reclaimed like any other Medicare benefit.”
She said the vouchers covered procedures including oral examinations and, if required, a scale and clean, fluoride treatment, x-rays, fissure sealing and advice on oral hygiene and diet.
For more information about the Medicare Teen Dental Plan and eligibility requirements, go to www.medicare.gov.au or call 132 011.
For more information please contact Ms Roxon’s Office on 02 6277 7220.
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