February 18, 2009

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KEEPING THE SOUTH EAST INFORMED SINCE 1861

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TV WATCH

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

YOUR WEEKLY SEVEN-DAY TV GUIDE LIFTOUT

INSIDE TOMORROW’S EDITION: SUMMER LIVING FEATURE

Dental costs bite Free dental care considered BY ANELIA BLACKIE

Email: [email protected]

MOUNT Gambier people expressed mixed views yesterday on a possible free dental health scheme. A new national health system “with teeth” was proposed on Monday, potentially giving Australians universal access to dental care, regardless of their ability to pay. The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission chair, Dr Christine Bennett, announced Denticare Australia as part of the commission’s Healthier Future for all Australians interim report as a work in progress, calling for public response and comments before the final report is due for release in June. While explaining Denticare Australia would be funded by an increase in the Medicare levy, Dr Bennett added “many people would pay no more than they currently pay for dental care”. “People could choose a dental health plan with a private health insurer paid for by the levy, or they could opt to rely on public dental health services, for which increased funding would be provided,” she said. The report claimed despite the 0.75pc taxable income Medicare levy increase, it would be smaller than existing out-of-pocket costs for dental services for many people.

WEATHER

But Mount Gambier residents were unsure if the proposed system would work. “Medicare should cover dental care because bad teeth affect your health and can even cause heart problems,” Charlie Scott said. “Why do we need a whole different system?” Some residents expressed concern over added pressure on local dentists, already stretched with long waiting times to get an appointment. “Waiting times are already very long. With Denticare more people are going to access dental services and we are going to wait even longer,” Louise Ladlow said. “Do we have enough dentists to cope with extra patients? They are going to have to look at attracting more dentists to the South East.” But Jenny Fogarty welcomed the new system after she was recently told she would have to find $2000 to pay for dental treatment. “I grind my teeth in my sleep and as a result I will have to get fillings done, which will cost $1500, and fork out another $500 for a mouth guard to wear when I go to bed,” Ms Fogarty said. “I would love it if we had this system because I don’t have private health insurance and I am going to have to pay off the money over the next few months, and with my dad’s help.”

pA new national health scheme “with teeth” has been proposed.

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It won’t shorten the long waiting times to see a dentist

Mount Gambier Today - Fine. Mostly sunny. 33o – report page 27

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Medicare should cover dental care

-Louise Ladlow

KID’S PAGE

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I would love it if we had Denticare

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-Charlie Scott Page 12

COMICS

Page 17

-Jenny Fogarty

CLASSIFIEDS

Pages 18-20

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8724 0600

Phone 5 Percy Street, Mount Gambier BW490616