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August 08, 2023
Verrall rules out universal free dental care
Claudette Hauiti
Posted On August 8, 2023
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Dr Ayesha Verrall
Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has ruled out Labour matching the Greens election promise of free dental care.
Download AudioHealth Minister Ayesha Verrall has ruled out Labour matching the Greens election promise of free dental care.
The policy would add another $1.4 billion to the health vote, which the Greens say would be covered with its wealth tax.
Minister Verrall says Labour is trying to address problems with oral health in a more targeted way.
“I’m certainly aware people sometimes forego the dental care they need because of cost. I’ve seen it in my own practice and I’m aware it’s an issues across the country. But I think we’ve addressed an important component of that with the emergency dental grants,” she says.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed it would not be Labour policy.
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