Nantou County plans to relax the threshold for complete denture subsidies for the elderly, and the application conditions will be more relaxed next year

There is a threshold for complete denture subsidies for the elderly in Nantou, and the regulations are planned to be relaxed next year. (Provided by Nantou County Government)

Nantou County has implemented denture subsidies for the elderly for more than 9 years. However, when applying for complete dentures, at least three teeth in the upper and lower rows must be retained to be eligible. Many council members suggested relaxing this requirement. Nantou County Mayor Xu Shuhua promised to review and revise the key points of the subsidy as soon as possible. It is hoped that the application will be opened under more relaxed conditions next year, so that more elders can apply more conveniently and take care of their dental health.

Xu Shuhua pointed out that before she took office, Nantou County’s denture subsidy had an annual budget of only 30 million yuan, which was often used up near the end of the year, and villagers often encountered obstacles in applying for it. After she took office, she increased the amount to 50 million yuan. The current implementation is in good condition, and there is a remaining budget every year, so there will be no failure to apply.

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However, the current regulations still have a threshold. When applying for complete dentures, at least 3 teeth in the upper and lower rows must be retained to be eligible. Xu Shuhua said that members of parliament suggested relaxing this requirement and she has asked relevant units to reconsider it.

Xu Shuhua further explained that currently, for those with welfare status, such as low- and middle-income households, there is a subsidy for a single (fixed denture), and the total upper and lower jaw limit is 10. In order to allow more elders to enjoy this social welfare, the county government will revise the subsidy plan as soon as possible, and it is expected that applications will be accepted under the new regulations starting next year.

Xu Shuhua emphasized that if the number of applicants increases significantly due to the relaxation of thresholds in the future and the 50 million yuan budget is insufficient, the county government will review whether to increase funds and continue to improve oral care services for the elderly.

Nantou County Magistrate Xu Shuhua distributed denture subsidies to the elderly. (Provided by Nantou County Government)