EDIT: The CDBS amount has since been updated. Click here for more details.
Welcoming you to the year 2014 is a new dental scheme introduced by the Department of Human Services for your children between the ages of 2 – 17! This new scheme is called the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) which provides up to $1000 worth of dental treatment. The best news is Aperture Dental Practice will BULK BILL all treatment that is eligible under this scheme – that means there is no cost to you!
About the Scheme
This new scheme replaces the Medicare Teen Dental Plan from 1 January 2014. So if your child used to receive a yearly Teen Dental Voucher for dental check-ups and cleaning, you won’t anymore starting this year, 2014.
The great news is that it gives your child who qualifies, up to $1000 worth of dental treatment over 2 years. Unlike the Teen Dental Plan, this was only limited to about $167 worth of treatment per voucher. Now, the scope of treatment has expanded and is really something can benefit your kids!
Are Your Children Eligible?
Your child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is assessed by the Department of Human Services. A child is eligible if they are aged between 2-17 years at any point in the calendar year and receive a relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar year.
Once a child has been assessed as eligible, they are eligible for that entire calendar year – even if they are turning two that year, turn 18, or stop receiving the relevant government payment.
To ensure all eligible families receive confirmation in early 2014, The Australian Government has advised that families should ensure their details are current with the following agencies as soon as possible.
Medicare – Phone 132 011
Centrelink (for FTB-A) – Phone 136 150
Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Phone 133 254
Treatments Covered
This scheme includes:
- Examinations
- X-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions, and even
- Partial dentures
How It Works
The amount of dental benefits available to eligible patients is capped at $1,000 per eligible patient over two consecutive calendar years. This maximum amount of dental benefits is known as the benefit cap and the two consecutive calendar years is known as the relevant two year period.
The relevant two year period commences from the calendar year in which the patient first receives an eligible dental service. For example, if the patient’s first dental service is on 15 May 2014, the relevant two year period will be the entire 2014 calendar year and, if the patient is eligible the following year, the entire 2015 calendar year. If the patient is eligible in 2016 or a later year they will then have access to a new benefit cap.
A patient’s entire benefit cap can be used in the first year if needed. If the entire benefit cap is not used in the first year, the balance can be used in the next year if the child is still eligible.
Any balance remaining at the end of the relevant two year period cannot be used to fund services that are provided outside that period. A new benefit cap will become available only if the relevant two year period has elapsed and the child is eligible in a following year.
A patient’s benefit cap can be used for eligible services provided to that patient ONLY: family members cannot share their entitlements.
Once a patient reaches their benefit cap of $1,000 in benefits over the relevant two year period, no further benefits are payable in that benefit cap period, and there may be out-of-pocket costs.
How We Work
Once your child’s eligibility has been confirmed, there are a few steps that we will take in order to ensure the entire process goes smoothly:
- Your eligible amount will be determined. You will only be provided the treatment worth within the remainder of the $1000.
- Propose a treatment along with providing a quote of the total value of your treatment
- Obtain consent (sign a form) to make sure you understand the treatment and the value of your treatment
We will BULK BILL the treatment as long as it is within the $1000 cap over 2 consecutive years. Anything above $1000 may incur an extra fee. Again, you will be informed of any extra costs of BEFORE treatment proceeds.
So what are you waiting for? If you are eligible, call us now on 07 3188 9477 for more information or BOOK AN APPOINTMENT!
Need more information? Click HERE for more information from the Department of Human Services website.
Book an Appointment Now
When you come to the practice for your check-up we will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible and will take the time to listen to any other questions or concerns you may have. Click here to book in your dental check-up and clean with our team today!
