Dental care initiative: 'No to misleading and costly proposal' (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Initiative for mandatory dental insurance up for vote on June 14
• Opposing committee: deceptive and costly proposal
• Estimated costs between 145 and 150 million annually

Key facts

• What: Initiative for mandatory dental insurance
• When: Vote on June 14, 2024
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Opposing committee (center-right parties, economic associations, Swiss Society of Dentists Ticino)
• Amount: Estimated costs between 145 and 150 million annually

The committee opposing the introduction of mandatory insurance for basic dental care, promoted by the left and signed by 8,500 Ticinese, has expressed strong opposition to the proposal. According to the committee, the Swiss dental system works precisely because it is based on prevention. 'A system that works is not changed,' state the center-right parties, economic associations, and the Swiss Society of Dentists Ticino, gathered in Lugano for a unanimous no to the initiative.

Arguments against the initiative

Among the main arguments against the proposal are the costs, which, according to the committee, would increase without solving the problem. 'This is a deceptive initiative,' explained dentist and president of the Society Plinio Rondi. 'So many services, the most expensive ones, which are already today the responsibility of the citizen, would remain so because they do not fall within basic care. Patients would therefore have to pay twice: for the insurance and for the care.'

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Operational details

• ## Practical Analysis

The initiative for mandatory dental insurance raises several practical issues for cross-border workers and residents in Ticino. Let's see what the concrete implications are.

Additional Costs

The introduction of mandatory insurance would result in increased costs for citizens. According to estimates, annual costs would range between 145 and 150 million francs, compared to the current 160 million. This means citizens would have to pay for both the insurance and uncovered treatments, as explained by the president of the Swiss Society of Dentists Ticino, Plinio Rondi.

Impact on Purchasing Power

Funding the proposal, with a 0.8% contribution on the wage bill, would significantly impact the purchasing power of families and businesses. In an already critical economic context, this could represent an additional obstacle to job creation and economic development.

Comparison with Other Countries

The experience of other countries that have introduced similar systems shows that access to care has not improved and costs have increased. This suggests that the initiative might not solve the problems it aims to address but rather worsen the situation.

Existing Tools

There are already targeted tools to help those in difficulty paying for dental care. Collaboration with Soccorso d'inverno, for example, allows identifying and supporting people who do not know they can benefit from these aids. This demonstrates that mandatory insurance is not necessary to ensure access to care.

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Key points

Concrete actions

For cross-border workers and residents in Ticino, it's important to be informed about the implications of the dental care initiative. Here's what to do:

Learn about existing options

Before making a decision, it's crucial to learn about the existing options for dental care. There are already targeted tools to help those in need, such as collaboration with Soccorso d'inverno. Use the healthcare cost calculator to get an idea of current costs and available options.

Participate in the vote

The vote on the mandatory dental insurance initiative will take place on June 14, 2024. It's important to participate and make your choice based on the available information. Make sure you are registered to vote and know the polling locations.

Assess the economic impact

Evaluate the economic impact of the initiative on your personal and family situation. Consider the additional costs you might have to bear and how these could affect your purchasing power. Use the purchasing power calculator to get a clearer picture of your financial situation.

Compare with other experiences

Examine the experiences of other countries that have introduced similar systems of mandatory dental insurance. This will help you better understand the possible consequences of the initiative and make an informed decision. Use the healthcare system comparator to compare the different options.

Use available tools

If you need assistance with dental care, use the available tools such as Soccorso d'inverno. Make sure you know the eligibility criteria and the documents required to access these aids. Use the healthcare cost calculator to get an idea of the costs and available options.

Source: ticinonews.ch