Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2023
176. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the amount budgeted for the planned increase in the income limit for the GP visit card for persons on a median household income of €46,000 or less. [15522/23]
View answerIt was announced in Budget 2023 that eligibility for GP Visit Cards is to be extended to people who earn no more than the median household income. Income thresholds will be adjusted for people living alone and for those with children and further operational details will be made available prior to commencement. It is envisaged that the expansion will be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices.
Funding for the expansion was provided in Budget 2023 within an extensive €107 million package for new cost of living measures. Other measures included within that funding package are the abolition of all inpatient hospital charges from April 2023, the continuation of the reduction in the threshold for the Drug Payment Scheme at €80 per month, and the extension of the free contraception scheme from 1 September 2023 to cover all women aged 17-30 inclusive. Funding was also provided in Budget 2023 to include 16 year-olds in the free contraception scheme however this is subject to consultation, legal advice and legislative amendment.
