Ensuring your child’s dental health is a crucial aspect of their overall wellbeing. The Australian Government offers a helping hand through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a program aimed at reducing the financial burden of dental care for eligible families. This guide will walk you through the essential information you need to know about accessing these benefits, courtesy of the Sayers Dental Aesthetics and Implants.
Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The CDBS is a government initiative designed to cover part or the entire cost of some basic dental services for children. To qualify, children must meet the following criteria:
- Be 0 to 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year
- Be eligible for Medicare
- Receive a payment from certain government programs at least once a year, or have a parent, carer, or guardian who does
Eligibility Details
There’s no need to apply or register for CDBS. If your child is eligible, you will be notified via a letter. The eligibility encompasses children and teenagers who are:
- Eligible for Medicare
- Between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day of the calendar year
- Receiving an eligible payment at least once that calendar year
Eligibility extends to children and teenagers under the care of a parent, carer, guardian, or an approved care organisation. Teenagers with partners may also qualify if they meet specific criteria.
Eligible Payments
Certain Centrelink payments trigger eligibility for CDBS. These payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, and Double Orphan Pension, among others. The child or the responsible adult must receive at least one of these payments within the calendar year to qualify.
How to Check Eligibility
Each January, eligibility for dental benefits is automatically assessed and communicated. You can also check your child’s eligibility online through a linked Medicare account on myGov or by contacting the Medicare program line.
Coverage Details
CDBS offers up to $1,095 over two calendar years for various basic dental services, including check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. The service cap is indexed annually, ensuring adjustments align with economic changes.
The Two-Year Period Explained
The $1,095 benefit is available over two consecutive calendar years, starting from the year your child first uses the CDBS. If the full amount isn’t used in the first year, the remaining balance can be utilised in the second year, provided the eligibility criteria are still met.
How to Access CDBS Benefits
When booking a dental appointment, inform the clinic that you intend to use the CDBS. It’s essential to check the remaining balance to understand the extent of coverage available for the planned dental services.
Claiming Your Benefits
CDBS benefits cannot be claimed concurrently with private health insurance for the same service. You can claim your benefits directly at the dentist (if they offer bulk billing) or through Medicare.
Check Your Eligibility Today
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an invaluable resource for Australian families, ensuring children and teenagers have access to necessary dental care without financial strain. By familiarising yourself with the eligibility and claiming process, you can make the most of this program to maintain your child’s oral health.
For further details and to check your child’s eligibility, please refer to the official Services Australia page.