Changes to healthcare costs, which were announced as part of Budget 2019 last October, are set to take effect from Monday, April 1.

From that date, there will be a €10 reduction in the monthly threshold for the Drugs Payment Scheme - from €134 to €124. There will also be a 10% increase across all GP visit card weekly income thresholds.

Prescription charges for medical card holders over the age of 70 will also be reduced from €2 to €1.50.

"More working people on modest incomes will qualify for free GP care, while changes to the Drugs Payment Scheme and the prescription charge will help make medicines more affordable. Hundreds of thousands of people could benefit from these three actions taken together," commented the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.

From April 1, there will also be increases in weekly welfare payments to different people, including carers, people with disabilities and lone parents.

People can check their eligibility for the GP visit card at medicalcard.ie and they can apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme at mydps.ie, or through their local health office. The reduction in prescription fees will be applied automatically.

"I hope to see as many people as possible benefit from these measures and urge people to check their eligibility and apply," commented the Minister for Health, Simon Harris.