Patients always have to make higher additional payments for dentures

New numbers: Higher additional payments for dentures
The German citizens have to make more and more additional payments for dentures. For financial reasons, many people even give up on a necessary dental visit. Medically necessary dentures in good quality should be free of charge for patients, a member of the LinkDeutsche calls must always carry higher additional payments for dentures.

For dentures deeper into the bag
Since dentures are usually only partially funded by the statutory health insurance, it makes sense to ask the dentist specifically for alternatives. For some people, a dental insurance may be useful. Especially against the background that citizens need to dig deeper and deeper into the pocket for dentures.

Citizens have to pay more and more for dentures. Some even refrain from financial reasons for a necessary visit to the dentist. (Image: StudioLaMagica / fotolia.com)

Expenses for material and laboratory costs
According to a report by the German press agency, the Federal Ministry of Health informed at the request of the left-wing MP Sabine Zimmermann that private households in 2005 for dentures (material and laboratory costs) spent about 2.62 billion euros in addition.

In 2010, according to the government's answer, it had already been 3.02 billion euros and in 2014 (latest available data) 3.14 billion euros.

Many refrain from necessary dental visits for financial reasons
In addition, the publication of the Federal Statistical Office on the Household Survey "Living in Europe" shows that just under half (48.3 percent) - 64.3 percent of people at risk of poverty - those who refrain from a necessary dental visit in 2014, from financial Reasons did.

For 43.6 percent, other reasons played a role not to go to the dentist, the left-wing group reported in a statement. The reasons given were: too long waiting times, too long journeys to the dentist, fear of doctors and medical treatments, to see if the symptoms improve on their own or if they do not know a good dentist. Eight percent stated time reasons.

Shameful state for one of the richest countries in the world
"Poverty increases, even on the teeth you can see this," said Sabine Zimmermann, vice chair of the Left Party in the Bundestag.

"It is scandalous that people do not allow or postpone necessary treatment for fear of high costs. The own shares for medically necessary or higher quality dentures can not afford many people. Even the standard care is not affordable for many, "criticized the politician.

"The grant system for dentures ensures that you recognize people with low income in the condition of their teeth. For one of the richest countries in the world, this is a shameful state. "

Demand for free dentures
Zimmermann demanded consequences: "Co-payments ensure that medical care is not used. Therefore, they must be abolished, even in the field of dentistry. Medically necessary dentures in good quality must be free for the patients. "

However, this is not just about aesthetics. Rather, poor oral health can also cause other illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes. (Ad)