Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
500. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the medical card levy, which places a financial burden on many older and vulnerable people, will be removed completely in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19506/23]
View answerThe 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.
The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. In addition, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
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.
While preparations in respect of Budget 2024 are ongoing, any health measures introduced will be in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the Programme for Government and the funding available. A consideration of further reductions to the level of prescription charges, or to their removal entirely, will take place in that context.
