We’ve seen time and again that consumers speaking up can drive change, and last week was no exception. Consumers who have been impacted by poor practices by WA dentists have collaborated with HCC and together we are we are making changes.
We celebrated a victory last week when APHRA and the ATO issued a very strong joint statement on the worrying misuse and overuse of the compassionate release of superannuation to pay for dental treatment. The agencies gave strong guidance to practitioners on the limited circumstances in which it is appropriate to use such payment methods and also undertook to investigate practitioners who they believe are using this system inappropriately.
Unlike previous statements on this topic, which were framed as partly a caution to patients, this statement places the responsibility squarely with practitioners and with third party agents who may assist in completing applications for early release of super. We welcome this change in approach, and we are really pleased that these regulators have listened to consumers and to our advocacy in framing this message.
We heard about this issue earlier this year, following the death of a dental practitioner who had taken substantial advance payments from patients for expensive dental treatment, but had passed away before delivering the treatment.
In our research, we found a worrying number of practitioners who include in their advertising materials information that encourages people to withdraw their superannuation to pay for treatment. Some of this advertising appeared predatory and was often included incorrect information.
After advocacy from us, in partnership with consumers and pressure from the media, there was a press release from AHPRA in late May which expressed concern about the increase in using superannuation to pay for treatment, and a great checklist of red flags for consumers. This was a pleasing start, but we continued our advocacy, as we were concerned that the messaging from regulatory bodies around this practice was not strong enough.
The statement issued on 16 October is strong. It speaks of inaccurate statements being made by practitioners on forms supporting the release of superannuation, and of the penalties that people will face for making such statements. The consumers who have been left stranded are continuing their fight for justice through legal avenues, the media, and complaints processes. We are continuing to work with Consumer Protection, AHPRA and Choice Australia to explore avenues to protect consumers in future.
Bronwyn Ife | Systemic Advocacy and Engagement Lead
Media enquiries: 0488 701 839 | info@hconc.org.au