Free GP healthcare will be rolled out to an additional 500,000 people under Government plans confirmed today.
The scheme will be extended to include all six and seven-year-olds, which is around 78,000 kids, regardless of their parent’s income.
In addition, the estimated 430,000 people who earn up to the median household income will also be included.
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The deal was struck after months of talks between the Irish Medical Organisation and the Government.
At present, those under six receive free GP healthcare but the scheme announced will be extended from next month.
The extension of GP Visit Cards to children aged 6 and 7 will commence on August 11.
Phase one of the extension of cards to those who earn the median household income or less will commence on September 11 and phase two on November 13.
Explaining, the Department of Health said: "The weekly income threshold for a single person living alone will increase from €304 to €361 in the first phase, and then to €418 in the second.
"The weekly income threshold for a single person living with family will increase from €271 to €322 in the first phase and to €373 in the second.
"The weekly income threshold for a couple with or without dependent(s) will increase from €441 to €524 in the first phase and to €607 in the second."
Speaking earlier today, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “A significant announcement from Government today.
“We’ve secured an agreement today to extend free GP care to another 500,000 people.
“That’s all children aged six and seven with no means test and then a large group of people - a couple of hundred thousand, who don’t currently qualify for a Medical Card or GP Card, but now will because the means test is being relaxed.”
He said the move will mean “more than half” of the population won’t need to pay to see their GP.
The Fine Gael leader added: “It’s another step on the way to achieving universal healthcare."
The planned extension of free GP care for those aged six and seven was announced in Budget 2021 but had been delayed due to negotiations with doctors. They had expressed concerns about their capacity to take on the extra work.
Speaking earlier today, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “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 game-changer 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.”
Steve Moffat, who is the National Policy Manager at Barnardos, said the move is a welcome aid for struggling families.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror/Star, he said: “This will be a big relief to a lot of parents … it’s a big step and really positive.
“We see this as another step in the right direction … it will definitely make a considerable difference to a lot of families out there. No family should be worrying about if they can or can’t afford to bring their child to the GP.”
But Clare-based GP Dr. Yvonne Williams said it will cause a strain on the services.
She told RTE earlier today: “My fear and that of my colleagues even talking to them this morning is that older, more vulnerable - the frail elderly - are the people who maybe won't be able to access their GP as quickly as they need to.
"And they will end up having to go to A&E or the out-of-hours service."
