Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
738. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of abolishing all prescription charges for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24185/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable and has introduced several reductions in the cost of healthcare.
On 1 November 2020, prescription charges under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme were reduced as follows:
- For persons over 70, the charges were reduced to €1 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €10 per month.
- For persons under 70, the charges were reduced to €1.50 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €15 per month.
It is estimated that the minimum cost of abolishing prescription charges for all eligible persons would be approximately €60m per annum.
This estimation is subject to the following caveats:
- That demographic changes may impact the number of eligible persons.
- That the removal of prescription charges may result in a change in claimant behaviour.
