Israelis Over 72 Receive Subsidized Dental Care Under National Health Basket
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Israeli citizens aged 72 and older are now eligible for subsidized dental care through the national health basket, with services like check-ups and cleanings offered for free. Co-payments for procedures range from NIS 37.60 for fillings and extractions to NIS 150.40 for root canals and NIS 338.42 for full dentures. Eligibility is not income-dependent and applies to all health fund members over 72. Treatments are provided at health fund clinics or affiliated practices, with specific coverage details available through each fund.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israelis aged 72 and older receive subsidized dental care under the national health basket.
- Check-ups, X-rays, and teeth cleaning are free for eligible individuals.
- Co-payments include NIS 37.60 for fillings, NIS 150.40 for root canals, and NIS 338.42 for full dentures.
- Eligibility is universal for all health fund members over 72, regardless of income.
- Restorative treatments like dentures and supporting implants are also covered with co-payments.
- Services are available at health fund clinics or affiliated private practices.
Israeli citizens aged 72 and older are eligible for significantly subsidized dental treatments as part of the national health basket, offering substantial savings compared to private clinics. Under this provision, basic services like check-ups, X-rays, and teeth cleaning are provided free of charge. More complex procedures also come with low co-payments: a filling costs NIS 37.60, a root canal treatment is NIS 150.40, and a full denture is NIS 338.42.
The eligibility for these benefits is universal for all health fund members aged 72 and above, irrespective of income. The treatments are available at the health funds' own dental clinics or at affiliated private practices. In specific cases requiring a referral and an authorization form (Form 17) from the health fund, hospital-based dental care is also an option. Treatments at non-affiliated private clinics without prior authorization are not covered.
The subsidized services include preventive care such as one annual check-up, routine examinations, two bite-wing X-rays per check-up, and plaque removal twice a year, all without any co-payment. Other procedures, including regular extractions, also cost NIS 37.60, while surgical extractions are NIS 72.70. Emergency treatments for pain or inflammation are NIS 75.20.
Restorative dental work, such as dentures and implants, is also included. A full denture for either jaw is available once every seven years for a co-payment of NIS 338.42, and a partial denture is available once every four years for the same price. Partial dentures can be supported by up to three crowns, costing NIS 225.61 each. For those needing a full lower denture, up to four supporting implants are covered at NIS 112.81 per implant, including a CT scan for placement.
To access these services, individuals should contact their health fund to identify affiliated clinics and schedule an initial check-up. The dentist will then create a treatment plan detailing covered services and associated costs. It is advisable to obtain this plan in writing and compare it with the official price list. Individuals with supplementary insurance should verify coverage to avoid duplicate payments.
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