I totally agree. The hospitals do not provide anywhere near the services needed for pensioners or low income earners. Many are forced to take out loans and go to a regular dentist because they can not get an appointment at the hospital. In my opinion the Government is totally out of touch with the ability of many Aussies to afford dental work. People on a Newstart allowance of about $440 a fortnight are expected to pay the same for dentistry as those on a $2000 a fortnight wage. Consequently many many people are walking around with a mouthful of rotten teeth.
Why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare? Surely being able to eat without pain is necessary for good health. Bacteria from rotten teeth and gums can also have a very detrimental effect on ones health. When setting up Medicare, who in their wisdom decreed that teeth weren’t as important as a finger or an ear or any other part of your body for that matter? My income is around $209 a week. My last dental bill was $390 and I still need work done. If I get my teeth fixed, which will cost a couple of thousand dollars, I won’t be able to afford to buy food for ten weeks which will negate the reason for having my teeth fixed- which is to be able to eat properly. Not everyone can afford private health insurance. I would like people on low incomes to be able to claim their dentistry on Medicare. How do we make that happen?
Frances,
Allora
