Increased funding for hospitals and health care and changes to Chronic Diseases Dental Scheme
The federal government’s budget included several measures aimed at improving the health system:
- $16.4 billion over six years in additional hospital growth funding guaranteed to the states from 2014–2015
- $2.2 billion over five years for national mental health reform
- $717 million to expand access to diagnostic imaging services and to make medicines more affordable
- $53 million to improve access to public dental services, particularly for people on low incomes
- $1.8 billion over six years in critical regional health infrastructure under the Health and Hospitals Fund regional priority round
- $52.6 million over four years to introduce a voluntary dental internship year. Up to 50 voluntary dental internship places will be funded each year, commencing in 2013
- The above measure seems to replace the Chronic Diseases Dental Scheme, “Denticare”. Details are still coming through but this could have a big impact on the income of Dentists.
A close analysis of the budget papers is necessary to determine what is new health spending and what is a continuation or amendment of measures already in place. Generally, however, the measures announced are aimed at improving and simplifying access to services for those most in need – especially in the mental health area.
Sources:
www.budget.gov.au - “Budget at a Glance”
www.budget.gov.au - Budget Papers No. 2 – Expense Measures – Health and Aging