New Dental Scheme To Benefit Millions In Australia
A new dental scheme is set to benefit millions of people in Australia.
A new scheme, which will target underserved areas and disadvantaged people, is expected to save the Labor government around $2.5 billion over the next six years, as well as benefiting those most in need of support from the state.
The new $4.1 billion programme will provide $1000 of care for each child from families eligible to receive Family Tax Benefit A every two years. In total, more than 3 million children will benefit from the scheme.
In addition, a sum of $1.3 billion will be spent on improved services for adults on low incomes, pensioners and those with concession cards.
Thousands of dollars will also be spent on improving dental services in rural and remote areas and the government has committed to covering workforce costs and increasing recruitment in underserved areas.
The new multi-billion dollar dental scheme will replace the chronic diseases scheme, which cost around $6.6 billion over the same six year period; the change of policy means that access to dental services will improve, while the government will also be saving money.
Julia Gillard, Prime Minister, said that the new scheme represents much better value for money and will make a huge difference to Australians, especially those who struggle to access or afford dental care.
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