Changes To Dental Charges Approved On Isle Of Man
Proposals to changes in dental and prescription charges in the Isle of Man have been approved.
Plans to increase the age of entitlement to free dental care and prescriptions from 60 to 65 have been approved by Tynwald. This is the case despite concerns that the proposals breached a directive set out by the European Union.
Health minister, David Anderson, announced the amendments to the National Health Service Act 2001 last week; the new plans mean that people will continue to pay for dental care and prescriptions until retirement age, which is currently 65, rather than 60 years old. In addition to changes for over 60’s, proposals to lower the age of paying for dental treatment and prescriptions has been lowered for younger people, from 18 years old to 16 years old.
Mr Anderson said that the health department was examining possible changes to means testing and highlighted the fact that almost 90 per cent of prescriptions issued each year are free of charge.
Peter Karran, Onchan MHK, said that it was “outrageous” that wealthy pensioners are entitled to free prescriptions and fellow Liberal Vannin MHK, Kate Beecroft, suggested introducing a blanket charge of £2 per prescription for everyone, with the exception of children and people on a low income.
Phil Braidwood MLC, said that those who can afford to pay for their treatment, should do so.
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