What does the Governments proposed cuts to the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) mean to your family?
On 23 April 2016, the Australian Government announced its intention to close the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) from 1 July 2016. As the legislation was not passed by Parliament before the Government entered into caretaker arrangements on 9 May 2016, the CDBS remains open. As a result, the implementation of the Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme will be a decision for the incoming government after the Federal Election.
The Commonwealth provides assistance for 2-17-year-olds through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital.
The total benefit entitlement is capped at $1,000 per child over a two calendar year period. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment.
The Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme is a partnership with the states and territories and looks to replace the current Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) and the National Partnership Agreement on Adult Dental Services. The new scheme will assist the states and territories in providing access to dental care to patients with the greatest oral health need.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly practice.