Dental Charges For Those Between Sixty And Retirement On Isle Of Man Proposed
The health department has announced proposals to introduce dental charges for people aged over 60 until they retire; currently, all over 60’s on the Isle of Man receive free dental care.
Under the proposals, only those who are fully retired would receive free dental care. The proposals will be put before Tynwald by the health department towards the end of the month. Health minister David Anderson said that the new system would be fairer; he also stressed that vulnerable people would be supported by the system and exemption criteria would still apply; he also added that charges are subsidised and dental fees are lower than those in England. The proposals also apply to prescription charges.
A spokesman for the health department said that prescription charges are considerably lower on the island than in England, with charges at £3.85 per item, compared to £7.65 per item in England. Dental charges are also lower, costing between £16.50 and £198 on the Isle of Man and £17.50 and £209 in England.
The health department will also be asking Tynwald to consider lowering the exemption age for dental fees and prescription charges to 16 years old, rather than 18 years old.
The proposals are likely to be met with unease by people who will be affected by the changes, especially those who are struggling with the general cost of living.
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