Greens dental deal on health rebate

The Federal Government has bought the support of the Greens to vote for its private health means test bill by pledging $165 million for dental care for low-income Australians over three years. The promise will be funded by an increase to the Medicare levy surcharge for higher income earners. ADA President Dr Shane Fryer described the sum as being nowhere near enough and it should be considered a deposit because $11 billion was needed to provide dental access to low income earners. Although Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said yesterday that “about 20% of Australians” say “that they’ve got poor … dental health”, this figure seems short as some 30% of the population have health cards.