David Cullinane
Question:361. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the promised extension of GP-only cards, as announced in budget 2023, will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30376/23]
View answerThursday, 22 June 2023
Questions (361, 396)
Emer Higgins
Question:396. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health when the new increased income threshold for GP-only cards will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30488/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 396 together.
The Government is committed to the extension of GP visit card eligibility to those who earn the median household income or less, as announced in Budget 2023. The measure will remove the cost of accessing GP care from those for whom cost is most likely to prevent access; with approximately 400,000 additional individuals estimated to become eligible under the expansion.
The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are engaged in intensive discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), representing GPs, in relation to concerns they have expressed around the roll-out of this increase in eligibility with the intention of securing an agreed pathway to implementation.
Information in relation to the commencement of the expansion will be provided when available.
Furthermore, it is intended to commence the expansion of GP care without charges to all children aged 6 and 7 as early as possible. My officials and the HSE have made preparations for this expansion and engagement is ongoing with the IMO in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service.