Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Helping Kids to Grow Up Smiling
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The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, or CDBS, is an Australian Government initiative that will provide approximately $2.7 billion in Commonwealth funded benefits for general dental service for children aged 2-17 years of age.
It is estimated that 3.4 million children within the age bracket, and who meet the applicable means testing, will be eligible for the benefits each year. The means test that will need to be met will be the exactly the same as the previous Medicare Teen Dental Plan, which necessitates the receipt of government payments, such as the Family Tax Benefit Part A or other suitable payments.
What Treatments are included under the CDBS?
The government has provided itemised codes for treatments that are covered by the CDBS. These treatments include basic dental services, such as check-ups, x-rays, fillings and extractions. Services that are classified as high-end, such as orthodontic treatment, will not be covered by the CDBS.
The total benefit is capped at $1000 per child over a period of two years, with eligibility to be determined each year.
How will I be able to tell if I am eligible for the CDBS?
At the beginning of 2014, the Australian Government delivered letters to eligible children and their families that may be eligible for CDBS benefits.
Eligibility of any given child is determined each calendar year; however the funded benefits will be available for two calendar years. Based on government documents, a child is eligible to receive these benefits if they are aged between 2-17 years of age at least 1 day of the calendar year, meet all requirements and are eligible for Medicare, and are part of a family receiving Family Tax benefits Part A or one of the below listed government payments;
- Parenting Payment
- ABSTUDY
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Special Benefit
- Youth Allowance
- Double Orphan Pension
- Veteran’s Children Education Scheme, if the child is 16 or over
- Carer Payment
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme, if the child is 16 or over
To ensure that all eligible children can use their CDBS entitled benefits, make sure that your details are up to date with Medicare and Centrelink.
Medicare can be contacted by calling 132 011
Centrelink can be contacted on 136 150, for Family Tax Benefits Part A matters
If you would like more information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, visit the Department of Health’s website by clicking here.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule FAQs
How does the $1000 benefit work?
You may use the capped benefit of $1000 to pay for your child’s basic dental services over a two-year period. If the funds are not fully used within the first year, you can use it in the second year, provided your child is still eligible. After the second year, any remaining balance will not be carried forward.
What kinds of treatments are covered by this benefit?
The CDBS covers a range of basic dental services including routines checks-and-cleans, x-rays, fillings, fissure sealing, root canal therapy and extractions.
Cosmetic dental, orthodontic or surgical work as well as dental services provided in the hospital operating theatre will not be covered by the benefits.
Will my child’s CDBS benefits be affected if our family stops receiving the relevant Government benefits?
Your child’s eligibility for CDBS will remain if you receive Government benefits at some point throughout the year, even if Government’s payment eligibility changes during this period.
Will the clinic be able to check if my children are eligible?
Yes, our dental staff will be able to access your children’s eligibility information by contacting Medicare.
Will the clinic be able to check the remaining balance of my children’s benefits?
Yes, we can help you to check each child’s remaining balance during the appointment by contacting Medicare.
Can the benefits be transferred to other family members?
No, the benefits may not be transferred between family members but can only be used by the eligible patient.
Can I check my children’s eligibility or balance on my own?
Yes. You can access your Medicare online account at my.gov.au to confirm your child’s eligibility and balance amount.
Will I have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses?
As long as your balance amount can cover the fees for the day’s appointment, you will not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses. Your claim will be bulk-billed via Medicare so no patient co-payment is necessary.
What if my child is about to meet or exceed the 2-17 age group limit?
Your child will be eligible for the benefit as long as they meet the age requirement at any time throughout the year, even when they are aged 1 or 18.
Can my child use up the full $1000 benefit in the first year?
Yes, your child can use up the full amount in the first year, but there will not be any remaining funds available for the second year, even though they may still eligible for the benefit.
Will I be able to cash out the remaining balance after the eligibility period?
No. If the funds have not been utilised, in part or full, within the two calendar years, the balance amount cannot be carried forward, refunded and cashed out. The remaining benefits may not be used in the future.
For more information on eligibility, please contact the Australian Government Department of Human Services on 132011. For other enquiries, please visit: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule
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