Medicare Dental Advantage Plans with Dental Coverage: Exploring Your Options
Ensuring your child’s overall well-being includes maintaining good oral health. A vital aspect of achieving this is through regular dental check-ups. However, dental treatments can impose financial burdens on families, making it challenging for most people to prioritize oral care. In Australia, the government has made a commendable effort to promote children’s dental health. This was done by implementing the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a program under Medicare Dental Advantage Plans with Dental Coverage. This initiative has been helpful for countless families nationwide, granting them the much-needed financial relief to access crucial dental services for their children.
This article explores the CDBS and discusses the various options available to parents, empowering them to maximize the benefits of this program and safeguard their children’s dental well-being.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?
CDBS is a government-initiated program under Medicare aimed at aiding eligible children aged 2 to 17 years in obtaining crucial dental services. Since its introduction in January 2014, the CDBS provides a capped benefit of up to $1,000 per child over two consecutive calendar years, covering basic dental services. These services encompass routine check-ups, X-rays, cleanings, fissure sealants, fillings, and extractions.
Eligibility Criteria
Certain criteria must be met for a child to be covered under CDBS. The child must be between 2 and 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year, be eligible for Medicare dental, and be part of a family receiving specific government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or Double Orphan Pension. It is essential to check the child’s eligibility status before seeking dental treatment under the CDBS.
Exploring Your Options
Once a child’s eligibility for the CDBS is confirmed, parents have various options to utilize the benefits:
- Choosing a CDBS Participating Dentist
The CDBS allows eligible children to access dental services from a range of private dental practices that have opted to participate in the program. Parents have the flexibility to choose any CDBS-approved dentist for their child’s treatments. This choice empowers parents to select a dentist who aligns with their preferences and provides a comfortable experience for their child.
- Understanding the Capped Benefit
The CDBS provides a maximum benefit of $1,000 per child over two consecutive calendar years. It is essential to keep track of the funds used to make the most of the available benefits.
- Scheduling Regular Dental Check-ups
Prevention is always better than cure. Encourage regular dental check-ups for your child to address any dental issues and maintain oral health promptly.
- Discussing Treatment Plans
Before proceeding with any Medicare dental treatment, discussing the treatment plan and costs with the dental provider is advisable. This ensures transparency and prevents unexpected expenses.
- Maximizing Benefits
If the child’s dental treatment costs exceed the $1,000 benefit cap, consider spreading the treatment over two calendar years to utilize the full benefit.
At Springvale Dental Clinic we accept CDBS
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a commendable initiative intended to assist families in safeguarding their children’s oral health. To make the most of this program and ensure your child receives the necessary dental care, it is vital to acquaint yourself with the eligibility criteria and explore available options. Regular dental check-ups and preventive treatments play a crucial role in maintaining healthy smiles and laying the groundwork for lifelong oral well-being. Don’t hesitate to leverage the benefits of the CDBS, locate a CDBS-approved dentist, and prioritize your child’s dental health today.
We are Medicare Dentist in Springvale. Visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic and enjoy the benefits of CDBS.
