Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1825. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to wavering the Government levy that is applied to prescriptions for patients in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/22]
View answerPrescription charges were introduced in the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2010, to address the rising costs in the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme.
On 1st of November 2020, GMS prescription charges were reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. For persons over 70, the charges were reduced to €1 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €10 per person or family per month. For persons under 70, the charges were reduced to €1.50 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €15 per person or family. In addition, prescription charges do not apply to persons who qualify for the Long Term Illness scheme.
Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. In November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card.
Since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card. This entitles them to GP visits without charge.
Finally, any further reductions to prescriptions charges will be considered in the context of Government priorities and the funding available to the health service at the time.
