Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1157. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health the total amount spent by his Department on the purchase of prescription drugs distributed under medical cards and distributed under general practitioner cards; the corresponding amount contributed by recipients in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46479/13]
View answerThe cost of drugs and medicines provided to medical card holders, in 2012, is estimated at just over €1.3 billion. GP visit cards do not cover the cost of drugs.
Medical card holders are currently required to pay a €1.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €19.50 per month for each person or family. In 2012 the prescription charge was €0.50 per item, subject to a cap of €10.00. The revenue raised from the prescription charge in 2012 is €29.70 million.
