Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
850. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding free general practitioner care to those under the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra851. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of expanding free general practitioner care to the entire population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together.
GP GMS contractors receive a range of capitation rates, fee per service payments and practice supports. The cost of GP visit and medical cards varies significantly with the age of the cardholder. Cost calculations require complex and detailed modelling exercises to account for a range of demographic changes, future projections of service demands and variation in the number of GPs and the allowances that could be paid.
Consultations with the IMO, representing GPs, would be held prior to expansions of GP visit card eligibility and would include discussions on the scope of services to be provided and the rate of fees payable to GPs for the provision of the services.
For these reasons, it is not possible to give the actual cost of extending GP care without fees to further cohorts. However, the 2019 IGEES paper Costing Framework for the Expansion of GP Care provides a cost estimate for expanding GP care without charges to all persons under 18 years of age and for universal free GP care. The 2018 ESRI study Universal GP care in Ireland: Potential Cost Implications also provides a cost estimate for universal free GP care.
Department of Health IGEES staff are currently working on possible options for expanding eligibility to GP care on a phased basis. This analysis includes consideration of costs, demographics, demand and GP capacity.
