HEALTH SERVICES
Free GP care open to 215,000 newly eligible people
Those aged up to 69 and parents of children aged 8 and up can now apply
September 11, 2023
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Applications for GP visit cards are now open for up to 215,000 newly eligble people. People aged up to 69 and parents of children aged 8 and up can apply for a means-tested GP visit card on the HSE website. The means test assessment considers a persons or family’s circumstances, income and expenses.This is the first of two phases which will provide free GP care to an estimated 430,000 people in Ireland on a means-tested basis. It is part of the biggest expansion in eligibility for free GP care in the history of the state happening this year and covering up to 500,000 people.On 8 August 2023, free GP care was expanded to 78,000 children aged 6 and 7. From 13 November 2023, it will be expanded to 215,000 more people on a means-tested basis.As well as assessing various kinds of income, a means test assessment considers personal situation, including dependent children and living situation, plus expenses such as rent or mortgage and childcare costs.This expansion will increase the qualifying financial threshold for a means tested GP visit card in two phases.
- The weekly income threshold for a single person living alone increased from €304 to €361 in the first phase and will increase to €418 in the second
- The weekly income threshold for a single person living with family increased from €271 to €322 in the first phase and will increase to €373 in the second
- The weekly income threshold for a couple without dependent(s), a couple with dependent(s) or a one parent family, increased from €441 to €524 in the first phase and will increase to €607 in the second.
The HSE has developed a simplified online application process for means tested GP visit cards which is now available on www.hse.ie/GPVisitCards