Stephen Donnelly
Question:220. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the cost in 2019 of specific measures announced in budget 2019 (details supplied). [44003/18]
View answerWednesday, 24 October 2018
Questions (220)
Written answers
Budget 2019 provided for a 10% increase in the assessment threshold in respect of means-tested GP visit cards. The cost of this measure will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are found to qualify for this benefit. Funding of €20 million in respect of the measure is being included in the HSE's allocation for 2019.
The cost of reducing the prescription charge to €1.50, subject to a monthly cap of €15, for all medical card holders over the age of 70 is estimated at €8 m in 2019. The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €11 m.
The cost of reducing the Drugs Payment Scheme monthly threshold by €10 from €134 to €124 is estimated at €4.3 m in 2019. The full year cost of this measure is estimated at €5.7 m.
It is intended that these measures will come into effect from 31st March 2019.