Medicare

The Medicare Safety Net provides a way to receive higher Medicare benefits for out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital services. Once you’ve reached a threshold amount in a calendar year, Medicare covers a larger portion of your medical expenses, including some dental procedures under general anaesthesia, if they are listed under Medicare-covered services.

For dental treatments under general anaesthesia, here’s a simplified explanation:

1. Check if the Service is Covered: First, ensure the specific dental service under general anaesthesia is eligible for Medicare benefits. Not all dental services are covered, but some medically necessary procedures might be.
2. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Pay for your dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Keep the receipts as you’ll need them to claim from Medicare.
3. Claim from Medicare: Submit your claim to Medicare for the eligible dental treatment. You’ll receive the standard Medicare rebate, which is part of your out-of-pocket costs.
4. Accumulate to Reach the Safety Net Threshold: Your out-of-pocket expenses contribute to your Medicare Safety Net threshold. Include expenses from eligible services received by all family members registered under your Medicare Safety Net.
5. Exceeding the Threshold: Once your accumulated out-of-pocket costs exceed the Medicare Safety Net threshold, you’re eligible for additional rebates. This means for any further eligible services within the same calendar year, including dental treatments under general anaesthesia, Medicare will cover a higher percentage of the fee, reducing your out-of-pocket expense.

Remember, it’s crucial to check the specifics with Medicare or your MyGov Account, as coverage for dental procedures under general anaesthesia can vary based on the type of treatment and its medical necessity.