Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:190 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of extending medical card eligibility to 40% of the population. [26039/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
190 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated cost of extending medical card eligibility to 40% of the population. [26039/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is extremely difficult to estimate the cost of extending eligibility in a manner as suggested by the Deputy. However, based on the figures supplied in the GMS (Payments) Board annual report for 2003, the approximate cost of such an initiative would be in the region of €419 million. This figure includes the costs of payment to GMS general practitioners, drugs and medicines and fees to pharmacists. There would also, of course, be other associated costs with a medical card such as the dental and ophthalmic schemes. The estimates above assume no change in existing fee arrangements.