Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has today announced details of the commencement of the provision of GP Visit Cards to over 500,000 people - children aged 6 and 7 and to all of those earning no more than the median income, following agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). GP Visit Cards permit the holders to access GP care without charges. This measure represents the largest expansion in access to GP care without charges in the history of the State.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly stated:
“I have long made clear my commitment to making healthcare affordable for all. Today marks a significant milestone as we provide those who can least afford to pay for access to care with the right to attend a GP at no cost. As I said at the time of the budget last October, this is a gamechanger for our health service. Ensuring that more people can afford to visit their GP gives access to healthcare in the right place - one of the central commitments in the Programme for Government. It also removes the burden on people who may defer GP visits because they simply cannot afford it.
“I am delighted that we will be implementing this expansion in care with the agreement of the IMO. We collaborated successfully with general practice particularly through the period of the Covid pandemic, when GPs displayed an extraordinary commitment to delivering patient care. I look forward to continuing our collaboration as we embark on this historic expansion of free GP access.
“Coupled with the large expansion of the GP training programme I announced recently, in conjunction with the Irish College of General Practitioners, we are building strong and resilient primary care services as we increase our General Practice workforce now while improving access to those services for those who most need them.”
Minister Donnelly added:
“The Government is committed to ensuring that cost is removed as a barrier to accessing healthcare. This expansion will allow up to half a million additional people to access GP care without charges. This is a landmark day on our journey towards providing universal healthcare for all our people.”
The agreement with the IMO will put in place a series of capacity supports to allow GPs to recruit additional staff, as well as increases in fees to take account of the likely increase in demand for services. The total financial package will amount to approximately €130 million in a full year.
Under the terms of the Agreement, applications for GP Visit Cards for all children aged 6 & 7 will open on 11 August 2023. Approximately 78,000 children who currently access GP care on a private basis will benefit from this measure.
The expansion of income limits for the general population to permit those earning no more than the median income will benefit up to 430,000 individuals.
The first phase of this income-based expansion will commence on 11 September 2023 and the second phase will commence on 13 November 2023.
ENDS