Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a dental benefits program for eligible children aged 2-17 years that provides up to $1,000 in benefits to the child for basic dental services.
Services that receive a benefit under the program include examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures. Many of these services have claiming restrictions. Services can be provided in a public or private setting. Benefits are not available for othodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital.
Which children are eligible for dental services?
A child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is assessed by the Department of Human Services. A child is eligible if they are aged between 2-17 years at any point in the calendar year and receive a relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar year.
When are patients assessed as eligible?
The Department of Human Services assesses a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year and sends a notification to the child or the child’s carer. This notification may be done electronically, or in the form of a letter, which may be presented by the patient to the practice. Routine checks are performed throughout the year to determine newly eligible children.
How do I check if my child is eligible?
Contact Medicare on 132 011. For further information go to the Department of Human Services website.
How does the scheme work?
At your first appointment present present your letter and medicare card to the receptionist before treatment. The receptionist will confirm the balance available with Medicare. At the end of the visit, if there is further work to be done, you will be presented with a treatment plan and costs so you are fully in control of the $1000.00. As we bulk bill there will be no out of pocket costs for treatment that is covered by the scheme, and you are still below the $1000.00.
If there is work to be done that is not covered by Medicare you will be informed of this and given a quote.
