Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1296. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered providing dentists with an advance in payments provided under the State schemes, that is, the medical card and PRSI akin to supports provided in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Germany and other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6918/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDental services, provided to qualified contributors under the department's dental benefit scheme, are paid for monthly on an arrears basis, based on the contracted dentist submitting a claim for the treatment they provided to the qualified person.
The vast majority of such claims, over 97%, are submitted on line via the department's WelfarePartners portal, following confirmation of the customers eligibility, also obtained using this on-line facility. This effective and efficient process allows for the customers eligibility to be checked, treatment provided, fee request to be submitted and payment issued within the shortest possible timeframe. In short, payment for treatments provided in the month is lodged to the dentist's nominated account on the second Friday of the following month.
Any changes to Treatment Benefits would need to be considered in the overall budgetary and policy context.
Any question relating to payment for dental treatments on the medical card scheme should be addressed to the Minister for health.
