Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
WE ARE A PROVIDER OF CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE (CDBS)
$1,000 FREE Dental Treatment for Eligible Kids via the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme
To assist our patients in these tough economic times, Spring Orchid Dental does accept Child Dental Benefits Schedule patients. We can assist you with verifying your child’s eligibility and remaining balance.
We will also be Bulk Billing eligible patients so there are no out of pocket expenses. We can process the claim with your Medicare card details through our HICAPS facility.
PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S DENTAL HEALTH
As parents, you spend much of your time worrying about your children and looking out for their health and wellbeing as best you can. It goes without saying that ensuring your children have enough fruit and vegetables in their diet and plenty of healthy exercise can contribute substantially to promoting better health. However, have you thought about how you can protect the health of your child’s teeth and gums as well?
Eligible families now have access to benefits for basic dental services their children need through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), an initiative from the Australian government.
Child dental benefits schedule (CDBS) now replaces the Medicare Teen Dental Plan.
The CDBS replaced the Medicare Teen Dental Plan (MTDP), which ceased operation on December 31, 2013. The new CDBS Scheme commenced on 1 January 2014 for all eligible families.
Under the new schedule, children aged between 2 and 17 are able to receive a capped benefit entitlement to go towards the cost of basic dental services in Australia. Families must meet a means test to qualify for the benefit, which will involve having received a Family Tax Benefit Part A or other relevant Australian government payment.
Below is a summary of the most frequently asked questions about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, for more information please see the Department of Human Services Website
For more information or call the Medicare general enquirIes line on 132 011.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE ?
A child’s eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is assessed by the Department of Human Services. A child is eligible if they are aged between 2-17 years at any point in the calendar year and receive a relevant Australian government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A, at any point in the calendar year.
The Department of Human Services assesses a child’s eligibility from the start of each calendar year and sends a notification via mail to the child or the child’s carer. Most children will be informed of eligibility at the beginning of the year. However you can contact the Department of Health to determine your eligibility also. Medicare will handle the distribution of the benefits to families, so if you are looking to take advantage of it, it’s a good idea to ensure your contact details are all up to date.
For further information with regards to eligibility please refer to the Department of Human Services website.
Once a child has been assessed as eligible, they are eligible for that entire calendar year – even if they are turning two that year, turn 18, or stop receiving the relevant government payment.
WHAT TYPES OF DENTAL SERVICES ARE COVERED BY THE CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE?
The CDBS covers a range of services such as:
- Check ups and some x-rays
- Cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
The above can be just the assistance that parents need to feel confident their children can grow up smiling.
HOW DOES THE $1,000 CAP ON DENTAL SERVICES WORK?
Eligible children are provided with up to $1,000 in benefits for basic and preventive dental services.
Eligible children have $1, 000 to use on dental treatment over a two year period. The two year period commences at the start of the calendar year, not from the first dental appointment date.
The $1, 000 benefit is available for the full two calendar year period, so any benefits not used in the first year can be carried over into the second year.
Any benefits not used after the end of the second year however, cannot be carried forward for use after the two year period has elapsed.
Eligible children can use their full benefits within the first year if required. However, if this is the case, additional benefits will not be made available for use by the government in the second year.
After an eligible child reaches their $1, 000 limit, no further benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule will be available within the two year period.
Benefits can only be used by the eligible patient. Benefits cannot be shared amongst family members.
CAN I USE MY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE WITH CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE SERVICES?
Eligible children with private health insurance are unable to claim benefits from both their Health Fund and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for the same treatment.
Private health insurance can however be used for additional treatment not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
IS SPRING ORCHID DENTAL BULK BILLING OR PRIVATELY BILLING UNDER THE CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE?
To assist our patients in these tough economic times, Spring Orchid Dental will also be providing bulk billed services under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule so there are no out of pocket expenses.
HOW DOES BULK BILLING WORK FOR CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE?
Our Dentists will be bulk billing eligible services. This means patients will not pay out of pocket costs for eligible services under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, subject to there being sufficient funds being available within the $1, 000 cap. Prior to any treatment occurring you will be informed of the treatment that will be provided on this day under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, the amount of the $1, 000 cap available, the likely cost of the bulk billed treatment and any other out of pocket expenses. We will obtain your written consent to proceed with treatment.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers a limited range of services and benefits for some services may have restrictions.
Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work, and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital, You will need to personally meet the costs of any services not covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. The cost of eligible services will reduce the available benefit cap and you will need to personally meet the costs of any additional services once benefits are exhausted.
So if you are wondering whether you would be eligible it’s a good idea to visit the Department of Health website to find out more.
