Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said he welcomes the “good news” that the Act that will allow for free contraception and scrap in-patient charges for children was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.
The Minister said that these two measures will alleviate pressure on individuals amid the cost-of-living crisis.
President Michael D Higgins signed the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act 2022 into law, which will allow both overnight and day case public in-patient charges for children under 16 years old to be abolished.
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At the moment, children, and older patients alike, must pay €80 per night spent in a hospital, up to a maximum of ten nights in a year. This act removes the cost for those under the age of 16.
It will also see the introduction of a free contraception scheme for those aged 17 to 25. For many, the cost of obtaining contraception can be approximately €65-100 every six months. This does not include long-acting reversible forms of contraception, which can range from upwards of €250, including consultations.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly today welcomed the “good news” that the President had signed the Act into law, “as the measures provided in this legislation are very much intended to support access to care for those who need it in a manner that is fair and affordable”.
He said: “Abolishing acute in-patient hospital charges for children under 16 is focused towards easing the financial burden of parents or guardians when bringing their child to hospital for in-patient care.
“Free contraception is a cost-effective measure, reducing both crisis pregnancy and termination of pregnancy rates.
“Given that the costs of prescription contraception are typically faced by women, the scheme will impact positively on gender equity, reducing costs for women, but also benefitting their partners and families, starting with women aged 17-25.”
The Minister also said that he welcomed these initiatives amid the cost-of-living crisis.
"In the context of current cost-of-living challenges, I am delighted to be able to introduce these two significant measures aimed at alleviating cost pressures for individuals and families when seeking to access healthcare,” he said.
It is understood that these measures will be introduced by early September of this year.
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