Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As announced, Budget 2023 will increase the eligibility of people for General Practice (GP) access cards. The scheme will be expanded to cover all children aged 6 and 7 by the end of 2022 and, from 1 April 2023, eligibility will be extended to people who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. It will be adjusted for people living alone and for those with children; further operational details will be made available prior to the commencement of the income-based expansion. It is envisaged that these measures will be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices.

Sláintecare envisions a healthcare service, including general practice, in which access is universal and delivered at low or no cost to patients. The Government will continue to work towards that goal. However, there are no immediate plans to extend eligibility on the basis of age beyond those announced in the budget.