Chronic Disease Dental Scheme continuing at least until 31 March 2012

Treasurer Wayne Swan has confirmed the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) will continue until at least 31 March 2012.

In today's Mid-Year Economical and Fiscal Outlook, the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP has indicated that one of the major increases in expected cash payments in 2011-12 as a result of parameter and other variations since the 2011-12 Budget include:

"Medicare Services payments which are expected to increase by $231 million in 2011-12, primarily stemming from the extension of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) to 31 March 2012 as a result of the Senate disallowing the determination to close the Scheme. The closure of the CDDS remains the Government's policy."

This confirms the advice previously received by the ADA that the CDDS scheme will not close on 31 December 2011 as indicated earlier this year. Members are advised to monitor the ADA website regularly for further updates.