Chris Hipkins, the leader of the Labour Party, advocates that millionaires should have access to free dental care on par with all New Zealanders. He defends his election policy of allocating $380 million for free dental care for those under 30.
The Labour Party has pursued the goal of making dental care universally free for 85 years, and under Hipkins’ leadership, it is closer to realization than ever before.
Hipkins outlined the party’s policy, which involves making basic dental care, including fillings, X-rays, tooth extractions, and teeth cleaning, free for individuals under 30 over the next four years. Additionally, $10 million would be allocated for training more dentists.
In an interview with Tova O’Brien on her new podcast “Tova,” Hipkins emphasized the importance of universal healthcare. He stated, “We’re not going to discriminate against people based on the fact that they earned a lot of money, they pay more tax, and therefore they should still be able to access the same amount of public services. As I’ve indicated, I think that dental care is a form of healthcare that should be universally available. I’m not going to means-test them when they go to A and E either.”
Hipkins also expressed his willingness to utilize the free dental service himself.
However, this policy comes with a substantial cost, which is a concern given the current financial pressures on the government.
Data from the Ministry of Health, obtained under the Official Information Act, indicates that providing free basic dental care, along with a one-off check for individuals turning 65, to low-income parents and low-income pregnant women would have cost $52.5 million.
Amanda Johnston, president of the New Zealand Dental Association, expressed that universal dental care might not completely address oral health issues. She noted that between 30-40% of eligible children and young people do not utilize the free dental care service. It’s not uncommon for her to see children or teenagers in extreme pain, requiring multiple fillings, who have never visited a dentist before.
For adults, a disparity exists between those who can afford regular dental care and those who cannot.
While Labour’s policy is seen as a positive step, Johnston suggests that adults should make a small co-payment for basic dental care to encourage responsibility for their oral health. She also emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, as up to 30% of people do not brush their teeth daily.
In summary, Chris Hipkins and the Labour Party are advocating for free dental care for all New Zealanders, including millionaires. While the policy is seen as a positive step, there are concerns about the associated costs and the need for a focus on prevention in addition to providing free care.
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