Dental treatments halved for PRSI patients
The number of treatments available to PRSI patients in Ireland has halved, it has been revealed.
Prior to the changes brought about in January, PRSI patients were entitled to free dental check-ups, six monthly clean and polish treatments and discounted extractions and fillings. In January, the Health Service Executive introduced major cuts, which have had a huge impact on patients participating in both the PRSI and Medical Card schemes.
The cuts in the PRSI scheme mean that patients now receive free check-ups only; they have to pay for all other treatments, meaning the cost of dental care has become unaffordable for many. Recent figures from the Department of Social Protection have revealed that patients have lost out on around 700,000 dental treatments this year alone. Statistics also show that spending on dental care has fallen from 51.4 million Euros in 2009 to 22.8 million Euros in 2010; this year’s figures account for the first ten months only, but there is clear decrease and claims made by PRSI patients have fallen by 45 percent.
Fintan Hourihan, chief executive of the Irish Dental Association, said that the figures were ‘alarming’ and claimed that patients were being short-changed by the HSE. Patients continue to pay the same premiums, yet they receive half the benefits they used to. Hourihan also highlighted figures from the Central Statistics Office, which showed that the cost of dental care had increased by 14 percent, despite the fact that 97 percent of dentists had frozen or reduced their fees.
The Centre of Social Protection claimed that the PRSI scheme still offers taxpayers value for money because they are entitled to free dental check-ups, which are an integral part of oral healthcare. Representatives from the department confirmed that there would be no change to the system next year.
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