Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded national health system. It’s the primary medical funder for most Australians. While it provides peace of mind for health conditions, many people struggle to understand what dental care may fall under its funding umbrella.
If you’ve been thinking about dentures or your denture clinic has suggested it’s time, you have a good idea of just how expensive they can be. Dentures and denture repairs aren’t cheap. A full plate for the upper or lower set can cost several thousand dollars.
Not only will you need to find the right Camden dentist to carry out the work, but you will also have to visit them regularly to maintain and repair your partial dentures as necessary. Part of that cost is tooth extractions to prepare the mouth for further work.
How do you cover those costs?
Medicare for Dentures and Dental Care
So, does Medicare cover dental? The short answer is no, but there are exceptions to the rule.
Medicare may cover the cost if you have a dental problem that is considered crucial to your well-being. That doesn’t include dentures, but it might cover the cost of tooth extractions.
The typical rule for Medicare and dental is whether a procedure can be considered cosmetic. If it enhances your smile appearance, Medicare will not cover it. If it’s deemed medically necessary, Medicare will likely cover the costs, whether fully or partially.
Medicare will cover diagnostic procedures, preventative work, and restorative procedures if eligible. The amount covered will depend on the state and territory in which you live. The full cost may be covered in particular circumstances. In others, you may only have partial costs covered. Dental insurance may cover some of the costs. However, the majority of it is up to the patient to cover.
Before you decide, consult with a reputable dentist in Camden. A skilled dentist will explain your dental options, what a payment plan could look like, and how best to proceed.
Services provided by Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic
Diagnostic
If you are eligible for dental care under Medicare, then the cost of diagnosing a problem may be covered by Medicare.
Preventative
Scaling and cleaning costs are covered for those eligible for dental Medicare.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery can be performed in a hospital for those eligible for this type of Medicare treatment.
Extractions – Wisdom Teeth
Medicare may cover some or all of the cost of wisdom teeth extraction if deemed medically necessary. It’s always best to check before you proceed.
It may cover the cost of other extractions that are deemed medically necessary.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Children under 17 receive a special allowance for dental work under Medicare, which covers costs up to $1,095.
This covers the cost of check-ups and x-rays, cleaning, fillings, extractions, root canals, and fissures.
Cosmetic
Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic provides various cosmetic dental services and procedures. However, cosmetic procedures are not covered by Medicare or private insurance.
We offer payment options like AfterPay, which allow you to spread the cost of your treatment without worrying about interest rates.
Who is eligible for Medicare
If you meet the Medicare criteria, you will be issued a Medicare card. Children under 15 use their parents’ cards and can be issued their own cards once they turn 15.
- An Australian citizen (or a citizen of New Zealand)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- You have already applied for permanent residency and are waiting for approval, and meet the other criteria.
- You’re a beneficiary of a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with an eligible country.
If you are not eligible for Medicare, you can apply for AfterPay to spread the cost of your dental work. Medicare will only cover the cost of some tooth extractions, so you may plan to apply for AfterPay regardless of that coverage. You can simply use your limit as necessary. You can complete the dental work and start your payment schedule two weeks after your treatment.
How Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic can help
At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we’re passionate about employing advanced clinical techniques and using the latest aesthetic technology to deliver high-quality prosthetics and stellar service. Whether you’re visiting us for a new set of dentures or denture repair, or you need an emergency dentist in Camden, we aim to exceed your expectations. Nothing is more important than delivering comfortable, natural solutions to improve your daily life and increase your confidence.
Dentures shouldn’t be painful, and though the procedure may be uncomfortable, the payment plan shouldn’t be. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your requirements. We’ll discuss your needs based on your oral health, costs, whether your private insurance will help, and how to proceed. Call us directly or use the contact form online to get the ball rolling.
