Written answers

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1518. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State to abolish prescription charges for all medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/23]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.
It is estimated that the minimum cost of abolishing prescription charges for all eligible persons would be approximately €60m per annum.

This estimation is subject to the following caveats:

  • That demographic changes may impact the number of eligible persons.
  • That the removal of prescription charges may result in a change in claimant behaviour.

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