Minister annouces major boost to Government oral health services

10/9/00
Western Australia's low-income earners will benefit from an additional $7.6 million allocated by the State Government to oral health services.
Health Minister John Day today announced that $4 million would be used to extend the eligibility criteria for Government subsidised oral health care.
"This new initiative will mean that many more Western Australians who find it difficult to pay for oral health care will now have access to treatment and services at low cost," Mr Day said.
"The $7.6 million would be a top up to the existing Health Department funding allocation for oral health services which is already more than $34 million in Western Australia.
"The additional money will mean all holders of Health Care and Pensioner Concession Cards will be eligible for subsidised oral health care."
People who are currently eligible for oral health care will continue to receive a 75 per cent subsidy from the State Government. Those people who are not presently eligible but holding Health Care or Pensioner Concession Cards will now be entitled for care and receive a 50 per cent subsidy from the Government.
The scheme will include both emergency and general services and will enable approximately 80,000 additional Western Australians to have access to Government subsidised oral health care.
"The State Government aims to ensure that quality basic health care is provided to people on low incomes and that the oral health and quality of life of people is improved," Mr Day said.
"There will be an emphasis on providing quality care targeted on the retention of teeth."
Mr Day said $2.4 million would go towards improving access to services in rural and remote communities and $1.2 million to improving access to services for those in aged care facilities.
"The State Government is committed to providing the best quality health and dental health care to all Western Australians and providing better services closer to home," he said.
"These new initiatives will continue to see Western Australia leading the way in the provision of oral health care.
"This increased commitment of the State Government will ensure the continuation of new and improved oral health services in this State."
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600