Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Public Health System provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e., full eligibility (medical cards) and limited eligibility.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended).

Individuals with full eligibility can access a range of services including General Practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards, including consultant services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultant services, dental, ophthalmic, and aural services, aids and appliances, and maternity and infant care services.

A General Practitioner (GP) visit card provides for eligible individuals to visit a participating GP service without fees and also covers visits to GP out-of-hours service.

The Government is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable and has introduced several reductions in the cost of healthcare.

On 1 November 2020, prescription charges under the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme were reduced as follows:

-For persons over 70, the charges were reduced to €1 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €10 per person or family per month.

-For persons under 70, the charges were reduced to €1.50 per item with a maximum monthly charge of €15 per person or family.

In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.

In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card. Since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.

The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone normally resident in Ireland.

On 1 January 2022, the DPS threshold was reduced to €100 per month. On 1 March 2022, the DPS threshold was further reduced the DPS threshold to €80. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

The Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations prescribed 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Prescription charges do not apply to persons who qualify for the LTI scheme.

A review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, is to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. The current priority has been on access to GP services and a review of hospital charges.

Finally, individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.

The abolition of prescription charges for persons with long-term medical dependency is not currently under consideration for Budget 2023.