PRSI Dental Benefit abolished in budget, medical card also cut.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Its has happened snuck in with the budget. PRSI dental benefit all but abolished, medical card dentistry severly cut. I merged the threads and will stick it to the top of the forum.



http://www.dentist.ie/resources/news...cle.jsp?id=874

URGENT MESSAGE TO PATIENTS

Last week, the Government announced severe cutbacks to the PRSI Dental scheme. It was decided to restrict the PRSI Dental scheme so that from 1st January 2010 eligible patients will be entitled to a free check-up only.

There are over 2 million Irish taxpayers (and their dependent spouse or partners) currently entitled to free and discounted dental treatment (e.g. on fillings, extractions, root canal work or dentures) under the PRSI scheme. Your benefits will be lost if you do not confirm your eligibility prior to the 1st January 2010.

IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE MADE SUFFICIENT PRSI CONTRIBUTIONS YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DENTIST BEFORE THE 31ST OF DECEMBER 2009 OTHERWISE YOUR BENEFITS MAY BE LOST.

For further information please contact your local dentist or IDA House at 01 2950072 or info@irishdentalassoc.ie and we can assist you in finding a dentist near you.

BryanL

Then why should people have to pay PRSI?

suzieb

Oh don't like the sound of that.

Working as dental nurse and already my hours have been cut because business has sort of slowed down but business would be really really slow if prsi was scrapped.
Will have to have career change if thats the case :mad:

btkm8unsl0w5r4

BryanL wrote: »

Then why should people have to pay PRSI?

It would be just another Tax without any benefits.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Approximately 2 million workers and their spouses were entitled to dental treatment benefit in 2008.


2. The total DTBS budget (€60M) is less than the allowance given to GPs for secretarial and nurse employment (€61.5M)

Big_G

This whole situation just boils my onions.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1.***** The Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme has offered Irish taxpayers free or subsidised dental treatment since 1952.

2.***** In 2008 the Government received €8.4 billion into the Social Insurance Fund from PRSI contributions.* A total €69 million was spent on the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (PRSI Scheme).*

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. In 2008 almost half a million patients visited their dentists and availed of an oral examination provided under the PRSI scheme. A total of 1.5 million dental treatment items were delivered to patients in 2008 under the scheme.

2. During an oral examination a dentist will screen the patient for diseases and disorders, not just tooth decay.

musec5

:mad: i cant believe that the prsi payors havn't already staged a rebellion at the mere prospect of this happening.
for the vast majority of working people, this will be the only benefit derived from their prsi for the whole of their working lives as most people will not require unemployment benefit or disability benefit etc.
the abolition of treatment benefits without a reduction in prsi rates should be seen as what it is, a stealth tax.

DrIndy

Do you know how many mouth cancers are picked up by dentists EARLY which means that they can get surgery which saves their life and cures them completely? (oral cancer is a very nasty thing if it is left too late).

This is shocking.

Stark

Fortunately it's just a recommendation so far. If implemented though, it's one more step towards a two-tier society of 100% contributors vs 100% benefiters. Ffs, if I pay PRSI, I want PRSI benefits.

DrIndy wrote:

Do you know how many mouth cancers are picked up by dentists EARLY which means that they can get surgery which saves their life and cures them completely? (oral cancer is a very nasty thing if it is left too late).

This is shocking.

My last dentist visit revealed a sizeable cyst in my upper jaw. Wasn't malignant thankfully, but if left to grow unchecked, it would have caused serious complications. Will certainly still go for regular checkups regardless of whether I receive benefit or not (especially as fillings are much cheaper than root canals and implants and whatever).

Stark

They're already protesting with their "Stop the rot" campaign:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0818/breaking60.htm

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. A person earning €32,000 pays €20 per week towards PRSI.

A person earning €60,000 pays €41 per week towards PRSI.

A person earning €75,000 pays €53 per week towards PRSI.

2. The Commission on Taxation recommends scrapping the employee cut-off point for PRSI. This means that PRSI would apply across the board on all income.



3. The McCarthy report recommends the abolishment of the Treatment Benefit Scheme. The Scheme has been funded by PRSI contributions since 1952.

Stark

In reality, the contributions are more than that when you take employer PRSI into account. While you may think your gross salary is €35k or whatever, it costs your employer more than that to employ you.

res ipsa

I wonder is this "story" part of the softening up process first aimed at pharmacists & now targeting dentists.

http://www.independent.ie/health/latest-news/10-dentists-are-probed-over-prsi-topup-fees-1885644.html

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Independent analysis has shown that An Bord Snip’s recommendation to abolish the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme [DTBS] could end up costing the Exchequer twice as much as it would cost to keep it in place.



2. The analysis shows that while the Scheme costs the Exchequer €68 million to finance, it returns a 'societal benefit' of €195 million to the State - a net benefit of €127 million.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Independent research has shown that the PRSI Dental Scheme (DTBS) results in a net benefit of between €95 million and €119 million for society and the state, even taking into account the €68 million spent on the DTBS.



2. For example €14 million is attributed to reduced costs arising from illnesses associated with gum disease [periodontal disease]. These include heart attacks, strokes, pancreatic cancer and peripheral vascular disease. Many of these diseases are first identified through dental examinations undertaken as part of the DTBS.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. The Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (PRSI Scheme) was established in this state in 1952. Since then, the oral health of the Irish population has improved immeasurably. The Scheme, which is available to up to 2 million people, has been arguably the single greatest contributor to this improvement in oral health.



2. The McCarthy Report recommends the abolition of the scheme. If this recommendation, patients would face the full costs of dental treatment. This would occur despite the fact that workers have been contributing to the scheme for their entire working life. This in turn would lead to a significant deterioration in the dental health of Irish workers. Ultimately, the abolishment of the scheme would not be cost-effective as the cost of remedial work is far greater than the cost of a preventative approach to dental care.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Lad the previous 9 post are off topic and are soft deleted. This thread is about the proposed abolishion of the PRSI scheme. Save the dentist bashing for the consumer issues as per the charter.

centric

My post was deleted also? Why? It was about the abolition of fees!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Because they were in responce to a now deleted message.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Did you know that your dental health impacts your overall health? Dental health is crucial to people of all ages. Neglecting oral health can lead to painful, unnecessary and often expensive procedures.



2. Under the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (PRSI Scheme) workers and their dependent spouses/partners are entitled to a free oral examination once a year, a simple scale and polish every 6 months and other subsidised dental treatment.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

DID YOU KNOW?

1. In 2008 almost 400,000 oral examinations were provided by dentists under the PRSI dental scheme. Under the scheme the patient is entitled to avail of the treatment once a year and does not incur any charge. During the oral examination the dentist will screen the patient for diseases and disorders, not just tooth decay.



2. Also in 2008, 450,000 basic scales and polishes were performed under the scheme. Patients are entitled to receive this basic treatment free of charge every six months. During the scale and polish the dentist will clear any tartar and staining from your teeth.

xylocaine

Your prsi contributions also cover optical benefit

Wheety

Terrence Delightful Souvenir wrote: »

DID YOU KNOW?

1. A person earning €32,000 pays €20 per week towards PRSI.

A person earning €60,000 pays €41 per week towards PRSI.

A person earning €75,000 pays €53 per week towards PRSI.

With the Health Levy included in PRSI, people pay a lot more than this. I'm on €27000 and pay €35 per week PRSI.

I know this isn't about the abolition of the benefits but I was just replying to your post.

beccerelda

Hi,

I just stumbled across this thread by chance. Was wondering does anyone know how to avail of this scheme or where to find a list of dentists who will treat you under it? I've looked at various websites but can't seem to find the information I need.

Thanks,

Beccerelda

davo10

1. you can access by contacting a dental clinic and asking them if they are in PRSI dental benefit scheme, give them your RSI number and they will check with dept of social welfare to see if you are qualified or you can ring social welfare benefit section in letterkenny and check yourself. It is your responcibility to check your eligability, some clinics will do it for you out of courtesy.

2. list of dentists at:
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/dentists/Pages/dentistlist.aspx

beccerelda

davo10 wrote: »

1. you can access by contacting a dental clinic and asking them if they are in PRSI dental benefit scheme, give them your RSI number and they will check with dept of social welfare to see if you are qualified or you can ring social welfare benefit section in letterkenny and check yourself. It is your responcibility to check your eligability, some clinics will do it for you out of courtesy.

2. list of dentists at:
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/dentists/Pages/dentistlist.aspx

Thank you so much, really appreciate that. I had no idea how to go about it at all. Will be ringing my dentist first thing in the morning!

musec5

As the co-owner of a dental practice in rural Ireland, i wish to bring your readers attention to the following text from the budget measures.

Treatment Benefits
In 2010, the entitlements under the Treatment Benefit Scheme will be limited to the Medical and Surgical appliances scheme and the free examination elements of the Dental and Optical Benefit schemes.


This scheme has delivered free or subsidised dental, optical and aural treatment to prsi insured workers and their dependant spouses for over 55 years. Last year over 400,000 individuals accessed dental treatment through this scheme and almost 2 million people were entitled to avail of it. It is now proposed to take a machete to this scheme and leave only a small element of it standing. This will come into effect in Jan 2010. This was one of the only tangible benefits to the PRSI insured person and will now be decimated. We are told that this abomination of a decision may deliver €52M in savings. Contrast this saving with the €90M being returned to the alcohol industry, which can hardly be accused of improving anyone's health, or to €60M being granted to horse and greyhound racing, which is enjoyed by a relative minority. I would deplore the present Government's commitment to dental and oral health (a fact in evidence for several years and portrayed by the failure to secure a dental advisor or Chief Dental Officer) and question its commitment to delivering that which was intended when PRSI was first designed. Would the Minister for Finance now please admit that this has been a grave error in judgement and apologise to the PRSI payers of the State, or failing that, admit that PRSI is now, ipso facto, a tax which delivers no actual benefits to the insured worker.

NotaDinosaur

How, to counter though?

With 1/3rd of a sentence they have, without recourse it seems, axed a dental benefit scheme that serves to protect this country's most vulnerable.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

This is apalling news, dental health in this country will degenerate. PRSI is now just a tax.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I am supprised there is not more outrage from patients about this???

Stark

I don't think most people have heard about it yet?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Some recent changes to the budget means that your PRSI dental benefit will soon be no more. This is outrageous, PRSI is insurance not a tax. Anyway if you don't make an appointment to see your dentist soon you may miss out on the end of the scheme before it fades away......if you are elligible go now and get the gnashers done. More details to follow, maybe some other dentists here could clarify also.

georgieporgy

probably already too late for most people as benefits cease 31 Dec/09

Legend100

I rang yesterday coz i knew id be getting close to the 260 contributions at last and the girl in the social welfare told me the news.......disaster

She basically told me to get to the dentist as soon as possible so not to miss out before Jan 1st

flahavaj

This has totally flown under the radar it seems. Most people will find out about this next time they try to pay for treatment at their dentist's only to get a VERY nasty shock.

We are rapidly heading towards a situation where most dentists will be providing emergency treatment as a large portion of their daily work, especially if the pool of money available for the DTSS is reduced dramatically. Back to the dark ages for dentistry in Ireland. This is the single greatest blow to oral health that Ireland has seen in literally decades. Very soon dental treatment will be a financially impossible for a large portion of the population.:mad:

Big_G

I'd say you'll be kept busy flah. Hoppin off it. Chop.

Gone Drinking

I'll have had alittle over a grands worth of dental work done to my teeth in the past few months, come january 6th (my next and hopefully final appointment on these issues).

I am not covered by PRSI because i'm 50 weeks short of paying tax (since i turned 25, you need to have worked mroe).

Can i claim any of this back? how do i go about it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

http://www.dentist.ie/resources/news/showarticle.jsp?id=874

URGENT MESSAGE TO PATIENTS

Last week, the Government announced severe cutbacks to the PRSI Dental scheme. It was decided to restrict the PRSI Dental scheme so that from 1st January 2010 eligible patients will be entitled to a free check-up only.

There are over 2 million Irish taxpayers (and their dependent spouse or partners) currently entitled to free and discounted dental treatment (e.g. on fillings, extractions, root canal work or dentures) under the PRSI scheme. Your benefits will be lost if you do not confirm your eligibility prior to the 1st January 2010.

IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE MADE SUFFICIENT PRSI CONTRIBUTIONS YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DENTIST BEFORE THE 31ST OF DECEMBER 2009 OTHERWISE YOUR BENEFITS MAY BE LOST.

For further information please contact your local dentist or IDA House at 01 2950072 or info@irishdentalassoc.ie and we can assist you in finding a dentist near you.

davo10

Gone, if you have had certain treatments such as root canal therapy, crowns, bridgework etc you may be able to claim back tax at 20% on a MED 2 form. If it was what is considered routine dentistry eg fillings, extractions, acrylic dentures etc unfortunately there is no refund.

Sir Oxman

Just found this out today - overheard a man in the dentist waiting room - as others have said, it's a disgrace and has totally flown under the radar.
What's the point in PRSI at all?

unkel

I'm a bit confused here. Can any of the regular dentist posters here please post exactly what is going to be different?

Twice yearly checkups are still going to be covered under the PRSI scheme, aren't they? Afaik I have had to pay full whack for everything else over the years. My previous dentist charged me €225 for a 15 minute checkup / clean a few years ago while hautainly telling me he didn't do the PRSI scheme :rolleyes: Idiot me for paying him anyways...

BostonB

What about treatments you've had but not claimed for yet. (Looks at paperwork pile)....

Plazaman

The only thing you will get free from 01/01/2010 is a yearly check up. The 6 monthly free cleaning (appointment with Dental Hygienist) is gone. PRSI aid for fillings etc is radically cut so bigger bills at your Dentist. If you are in the middle of a treatment now and are covered by PRSI, you'll have to register with your Dentist so they can forward your details to TB Section in Letterkenny. Once registered you'l still be covered in the New Year as it is ongoing treatment.

Was lucky to get in to my own Dentist this morning for a final free check up and cleaning. This Government couldn't be any more thieving gits - all they're missing is the balaclavas.

ballsymchugh

BUMP!!

people!! tomorrow will very likely be the last chance you will get to register with your dentist if you want a free check up / clean / PRSI aid with treatment. if you want a check up, or have any niggling problems give your dentist a shout in the morning and make an appointment. it can be for january, but it'll still be covered if you register your details before the end of the month. a lot of practices will be on holidays tomorrow, and i'm sure the social welfare offices in letterkenny will be closed too. so get it sorted!!
even if you choose to go up north, or further afield to get the treatment, you're still entitled to the free check up if you've paid the right amount of PRSI

res ipsa

Interesting story this, cart, bolt, horse anyone?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1223/1224261161626.html

res ipsa

The Indo's take on it.Reminds me of some of the stories I used to hear about the NaSH in the early 90's, phonebook dentistry etc


http://www.independent.ie/national-news/dentists-accused-of-making-claims-for-dead-patients-1985714.html

Softening up 4 the removal of the Medickle Card Dentistry, no doubt.

ballsymchugh

bumped again.

yep res, those old stories of filling out forms on flights from the uk...

tommy21

Dpes anyone know if you qualify for this while on social welfare? I have been on JSBenefit for 3 months (so had enough PRSI contributions to qualify for that). Would it be a similar case here?

If so, is it as easy as me either ringing my dentist in the morning (assuming he is open), asking them then and there to check if I qualify (though I'm assuming dole offices closed now) or finding one who does?

I think I'm too late, but say even if I did it between now and 31st would I qualify?

Many thanks

ballsymchugh

if your dentist is closed tomorrow, there's a chance they may be open on tuesday or weds. so give it a shot then. or, you could ring around and find one that is!