Free dental care for all adults would cost $ 648 million a year

While Labor and National have pledged millions to push dental care for children, they have both been less vocal about extending free dental care to adults.

But tonight the cost of funding free dental care for adults was revealed: $ 648 million a year to cover all adults.

Newshub reported that in December 2018 the Health Ministry estimated the cost of extending free dental care to adults.

The report calculated the costs as:

• $ 96 million to cover everyone until they turn 27

• $ 5.5 million for a one-time dental checkup for everyone turning 65

• $ 30 million for low-income parents and caregivers

• $ 17 million to cover low-income pregnant women

The report was not taken into account by then-Health Minister David Clark, Newshub reported.

In the report, the Ministry also suggested that after the first funding phase, coverage could gradually increase after age 27, at a cost of around $ 12 million per year of age that was extended.

In total, with the average New Zealander now living in their 80s, it would cost an additional $ 648 million a year to cover dental fees for all adults, Newshub reported.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Chris Hipkins told the media that Labor was unlikely to offer free dental care to adults if it formed the next government.

“We have to be frank here,” he told Newshub.

“In today’s economic climate, free dental care for all would come at a very, very, significant price, and I don’t think that in today’s economic environment that is a debate we are in a position to have.

The Labor Party yesterday promised to increase emergency grants for low-income dental care if elected.

Among the promises made in the party’s health policy, the emergency grant increase would cost $ 176 million over four years to increase the emergency grant for oral care from $ 300 to $ 1000.

Another $ 37.5 million over four years would go to 20 additional mobile dental clinics to make free dental care for those under 18 more accessible.

Meanwhile, the National Party has pledged $ 30 million a year for children’s oral health, including pediatric and school dental services.

Its policy would see that all children receive an annual dental health packet containing informational materials, a toothbrush and toothpaste for daily brushing, education, and free fluoride varnish.