Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
205. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the cap for prescription charges more equitable for persons living alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9087/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists under the General Medical Services scheme. This charge is subject to a monthly cap of €25 for each person or family.
In Budget 2017, the Government announced a reduction in the charge to €2, subject to a monthly cap of €20, for over 70's. The implementation of this reduced charge, which requires changes to primary legislation, is at an advanced stage.
Any future changes to the prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
