Like routine eye check-ups, hearing aid problems, cosmetic procedures, medications and injections, dental care is not covered by Medicare. So, if you are wondering why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare, then you can know the reasons for it from our side. One of the common reasons dental care isn’t covered by Medicare is that dentistry is not related to the clinical side of hospital services. In fact, Medicare also exempted services related to long-term care, most of the chiropractic services, custodial care and other alternative treatments. Therefore, be clear about why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare while continuing to read this blog.
Reasons Why Medicare Didn’t Standardized Dental Care Coverage
There are a few reasons why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare. Some of these include no risk post dental procedures, limited cost packages, multiple resources, etc. As dental check-up doesn’t come under Primary Health Care or PHC services, it isn’t standardized in Medicare aid. In fact, most dental examinations and treatments are exempted from Australian Medicare because of easy access and availability. Another reason why dentistry centres and care don’t come under Medicare is that it is not a clinical service. Some of the other reasons why Medicare didn’t standardize dental care coverage are as follows:
Isn’t Considered Important
Most dental care includes procedures such as fillings, dentures, cleanings and dental plates. In addition to this, there is also a common procedure done with dental devices called tooth extractions. As all of these are optional healthcare service availability, they aren’t considered important enough to be covered under Medicare. Moreover, dental care isn’t associated with any other chronic diseases. And taking care of yourself with dental care will keep your health qualitative and doesn’t affect you otherwise. Oftentimes, you also find that many people even feel dental care is insignificant because of the time it takes.
No Common Risks
Basically, dental care isn’t considered in also because there are no common risks post a dental procedure. There is also no particular process starting from admission and ending at discharge like other critical procedures. In most cases, density work completes in a few hours depending on the care your teeth or oral cavity needs. Moreover, there is also no risk associated with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. This is one of the vital causes why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare. In fact, unlike other procedures and treatments, there are no allergies and other risks post dental care.
Limited Costs
Under several critical conditions relating to heart, lungs, joints and more deadly syndromes and cancers, dental care costs you low. In fact, the packages for every procedure like cleaning, dentures and filling, are planned at limited costs. On average, in Australia, a comprehensive oral exam takes around $66, a periodic oral exam about $58 and an X-ray per film is $44. However, these costs may also vary in different ranges from one dentistry centre to another. Moreover, total dental expenditure was $373.70 according to a study in 2019-20. The dental care costs are taken based on market and demand
Not Of Primary Health Care
It can be clearly seen that dental problems and their care doesn’t come under primary health care services. Primary Health Care, otherwise known as PHC refers to essential health care for the population in order to make them socially acceptable. PHC mainly refers to promotive, curative, supportive, rehabilitative and preventive care. Dental care is nowhere related to any of these categories that PHCs embrace. Hence, that is why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare. There are also components for Primary Health Care as the following and none of those is considered in dental care:
- Health education on disease prevention
- Nutrition promotion
- Supply of adequate drinking water
- Mother and child healthcare
- Immunization
- Prevent and control endemic diseases
- Appropriate treatment for common injuries and diseases, etc.
Enough Resources
To know about dental care, there are many resources available around you other than getting information from dentists. The resources you find during your research mainly aim at oral health, dental procedures and treatments. When you give a thorough reading of the resources you find, you will get to understand everything in detail. However, this is not the same case for other problems related to the cardiac and respiratory systems. Dental care is mainly to maintain oral cavity health, and healthy teeth and gums. Therefore, it is not considered a part of Medicare aid. All it takes for you is about time to do the research to find optimal results.
Conclusion
Why worry about “why isn’t dentistry covered by Medicare” when you have affordable dental care nearby to help you around? You can visit the clinic to find treatment relating to your oral cavity and teeth. In fact, dentists will not just help you with solving your oral cavity issues but also help you to prevent them. A dentist can detect potential dental decay and onset of gum diseases to carefully solve them with your permission. If you avail regular dental visits, the benefits you get are many and one of them is to save your teeth. Moreover, you can prevent future issues, gets information on proper dental hygiene, treat bad breath, etc. Feel free to contact them now!
