Vol. 549 No. 1
74 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children if he favours the introduction of a free general practitioner service for all; and the cost of this in a full year, net of existing medical card and other commitments. [5833/02]
The primary care strategy document acknowledges that primary care is the appropriate setting to meet 90% to 95% of health and personal social service needs. Accordingly, the strategy sets out a plan to achieve equity of access and outcomes for all regardless of means or location, but it is to be a staged implementation process in co-operation and partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Figures available to my Department, as prepared by the GMS (Payments) Board, suggest that the net extra estimated costs of extending free general practitioner service and other attendant medical card benefits to all non-eligible GMS persons would be €1,185 million. This estimate is based on existing capitation rates and does not take account of any possible premiums that might be sought by doctors in respect of high usage groups. Also, no account is taken of the loss to the Exchequer of income generated by the health levy which, at present, is not paid by persons with full eligibility.
