Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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879. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of introducing universal free GP care. [34564/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The cost of GP visit and medical cards varies significantly with the age of the cardholder. The following table outlines the current indicative annual cost for GP visit card eligibility and medical card eligibility, by age group.

Note: Data is compiled by the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service, based on available information for the 6 month period to February 2017 and by extrapolation to full year costs.

The extension of free GP care to all citizens not currently covered by a medical card or GP visit card would encompass a further 2.6 million people approximately.

The Deputy will be aware of the ongoing review of the GMS and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs, and that the next phase of discussions to progress this work is underway. The estimated cost of extending free GP care to all citizens will vary depending on the outcome of these negotiations and any implications they may have for the future scope and content of the general practitioner service, and the relevant fees and payments to GPs. As with any negotiation type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, the engagement may take some time.