Brendan Griffin
Question:375. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the financial exemptions available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16848/16]
View answerTuesday, 21 June 2016
Questions (375)
Written answers
Medical card holders are entitled to a range of health services free of charge. These services include:
- a range of family doctor or GP services from a local doctor;
- the supply of prescribed approved medicines, subject to a prescription charge;
- certain medical aids and appliances;
- all in-patient services in public wards in public hospitals, including public consultant services;
- all out-patient services in public hospitals, including public consultant services;
- certain Dental, Ophthalmic, and Aural health services;
- some personal and social care services; for example, public health nursing, social work services and other community care services based on client need.
Medical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists under the General Medical Services scheme. This charge is subject to a monthly cap of €25 for each person or family.
The prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.