The Department of Health launched the “Youth Dental Care Co-governance Pilot Program” this month. The service adopts a “co-payment model” to pay for oral examinations to self-selected dentists. The government fixed subsidy amount is $200; and the co-payment amount of participants is also recommended at the same level of $200. The relevant amount will be freely determined by dentists to improve cost-effectiveness through market competition. The department said that there are currently more than 250 dentists applying, of which 114 have been accepted. Among the current 151 medical service locations, about 60% of the co-payments are $200 or less.
The department said that the service targets adolescents aged 13 to 17, covering teeth cleaning, oral examination, oral health risk assessment, personal oral care advice, etc. Participants must have registered for eHealth and can receive subsidized services once a year. Before participating, you must make an appointment with a dentist who has joined the plan through the plan website. The website will display information such as reference fees.
The co-payment amount can be adjusted once a year. If you encounter abuse, you can complain to the Department of Health. Senior dentist of the Community Dental Service of the Department of Health, Wong Wing-sze, said that she hopes that dentists under the plan will disclose more information, including charging items, clinic locations, other consultation fees, etc., and introduce dentists with different academic qualifications and locations to give parents more choices. For example, the rent in Central and Western District is more expensive, and dentists may set different co-payments to facilitate local residents to use services.
She also pointed out that dentists can adjust the co-payment once a year and must specify the effective date of the new price. The department will also list the latest charges on the program website for reference by the public. The department said that young people participating in the program can accept some non-subsidized items if necessary, including X-ray examinations, fillings and tooth extractions. Dentists must charge consultation fees according to the reference fees published in advance on the website. Currently, there is a law requiring dentists to post the fees in a conspicuous place for the public to refer to. If you encounter excessive charges, you can submit your questions and complaints to the department for handling.
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