Children to receive free GP care, up to the age of 12, while over 70’s are to receive increased access to medical cards.
Health Minister Mr Simon Harris confirmed yesterday that free GP care is set to be rolled out to all children up to the age of 12,
The proposed formal proposal for consideration by our Irish Parliament will also see those aged over 70 years, have increased access to medical cards benefiting an estimated 56,000 elderly people. The weekly gross medical card income limit for single people over 70 will be set at €500 and will be €1,050 for couples.
The Minister stated that this welcome increase in medical card income limits is another important measure to support older persons, when their health needs are more complex and thereby improving their quality of life.
The free GP care for children is expected to be introduced initially on a phased basis impacting six and seven-year-olds in the first instance, while later being made available to all primary school children.
Mr Harris has stated that providing a legislative framework to extend free GP care to all primary school children has to be observed as a significant milestone and no longer a barrier to accessing appropriate healthcare when and where children require it.
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