Budget Savings Bill and the CDBS

The Federal Government’s legislation to achieve $6 billion in savings includes replacing the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)with the Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme.

The 252-page Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016 contains 24 measures to achieve the savings.

The Australian Dental Association advocated for the retention of the CDBS, saying that more than 1.5 million children have received over 10 million services under the program. The Association maintains that public dental services will be under-resourced under the new scheme.

The Treasurer, Mr Morrison (right) said in the Second Reading speech: “The Bill simply brings forward outlays savings measures that were incorporated into Labor’s fiscal projections at the last election”. The Bill will be debated next week.

Health care is top priority - survey shows

A national survey of more than 1000 people shows that health

care is ranked well ahead of other policy areas as the preferred focus for the Federal Government.

When asked to rank three policy priorities for the new term of Government, 61% of the respondents nominated that issue, compared with 46% who chose jobs, 38% economic growth, 37% education and 33% housing affordability.

The survey was conducted by I-view Omnibus on behalf of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Fear of 'Americanisation' of healthcare system

Statements by Australia's private health insurance industry that rising health premiums have been caused by the high cost of devices, such as pacemakers and replacement hips and knees, has sparked fears about the 'Americanisation' of the health care system. The health insurers' representative body – Private Healthcare Australia - produced data showing that a knee replacement costs three times more in Australia than in Canada.

But Susi Tegen (right), CEO of the Medical Technology Association Australia, said: “Comparing one country against another on price alone is misleading. You could ask the same question: Why does it cost $37,490 for a new Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI in Australia but in Ireland you pay $48,720 and in Singapore you pay $173,220?

“Rather than blame everybody else, the private health insurance industry needs to take a good look at itself first. If the private health insurance industry had their way, they would be quite happy to see the Americanisation of our health care system.”

AMA’s Federal President, Dr Michael Gannon, last week told the National Press Club: “If the actions of the funds continue unchecked and uncontested – especially their aggressive negotiations with hospitals and their unchecked attacks on the professionalism of doctors – we will inevitably see US-style managed care arrangements in place in Australia”.

The ACCC is taking action against Medibank, the biggest health insurer, for alleged misleading conduct and other actions. The Government received more than 40,000 submissions, with many containing complaints, especially about “junk policies”.

Dentists join fight against dementia

Dentists are being provided with a new tool to assist them in effectively caring for the 900,000 Australians, who it is predicted will be living with dementia by 2050.

The Australian Dental Association and Alzheimer’s Australia are working together to help people suffering from dementia. They have created a six-module online video series - Partnership in Practising Care: Quality Dental Care for People with Dementia – which educates dentists on best practice processes to treat the increasing numbers of people with dementia they will encounter in their practices. The series emphasises the importance of continuity of care, the use of preventive dentistry and ensuring that a high quality of life is maintained.

Dementia Awareness Month runs from 1 September to 30 September every year. This year’s theme is "You are not alone".

Increased risk of gum disease during pregnancy

The Australian Dental Association is putting women at the forefront of Dental Health Week 2016, encouraging those seeking information on how to protect their teeth and gums during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, to visit www.dentalhealthweek.com.au 

This follows an ADA survey finding that Victorian mothers, despite being at increased risk of gum disease and permanent tooth damage, are jeopardising the health of their teeth and gums by avoiding a visit to the dentist during pregnancy.

The survey, released during Dental Health Week (1 – 7 August), sought the views of women at different stages in their life. ADA says the survey shows that it’s crucial for women to consult their dentist during pregnancy, as hormone changes can make gums more prone to bleeding, swelling and inflammation – which can lead to an increased risk of gum disease resulting in tooth loss.