The Maternity and Infant Scheme provides that all pregnant women have a schedule of free visits to their GP - 6 visits for first pregnancies and 7 for subsequent pregnancies. In addition there is provision for an extra 5 consultations where a condition related to pregnancy such as gestational diabetes occurs. The scheme also provides for a 2 week baby check and a six week mother and infant check.
The Maternity and Infant Scheme does not provide cover for medical equipment. However, patients with medical cards have associated medications covered by their medical card and glucose monitoring equipment (glucometers) is made available through Hospital diabetic clinics for all expectant mothers suffering from gestational diabetes. This is regardless of whether the expectant mother is a private patient or a GMS patient.
Where the expectant mother does not hold a medical card, the strips (to be used in conjunction with the glucometer) have to be paid for by the patient (approximate cost of €44 for pack of 50). If the expectant mother has a medical card, the strips are covered without charge. For non-medical card holders, the drug payment scheme provides that no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines and appliances. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
