Niamh Smyth
Ceist:819. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the stage the free GP card for under sixes expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35468/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 July 2017
Ceisteanna (819)
Freagraí scríofa
The first two phases of universal GP care without fees were successfully introduced in 2015, firstly for all children under the age of 6 years and secondly for all people aged 70 years and older. This has resulted in approximately 800,000 people now being eligible for GP care without fees without having to undergo a means test.
The introduction of GP care without fees to children under 6 represents a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. The under 6s service contract, which includes age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and a dedicated cycle of care for children with asthma, underlines the Government's commitment to enhancing primary care and keeping people well in their community. To date, just over 364,700 children have access to GP care without fees through a medical card or GP visit card and approximately 95% of GMS GPs have entered into agreements with the HSE for the provision of services to children under 6. Children are included in this scheme until the end of the month of the child's 6th birthday.
The Programme for Government commits to extend in phases, and subject to negotiation with GPs, free GP care to all children under 18 years of age. Legislative changes will be required for any such extension of free GP care to further cohorts of the population. The timetable will be subject to the outcome of discussions with GP representatives on this and other contractual matters currently being discussed.