Neasa Hourigan
Question:1518. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State to abolish prescription charges for all medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (1518)
Written answers
The Government is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable and has introduced several reductions in the cost of healthcare.
On 1 November 2020, prescription charges under the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme were reduced as follows:
• For persons over 70, the charges were reduced to €1 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €10 per person or family per month.
• For persons under 70, the charges were reduced to €1.50 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €15 per person or family.
It is estimated that the minimum cost of abolishing prescription charges for all eligible persons would be approximately €60m per annum.
This estimation is subject to the following caveats:
• That demographic changes may impact the number of eligible persons.
• That the removal of prescription charges may result in a change in claimant behaviour.