Over 200,000 more people will be able to visit their doctor for free from today. From today, some 215,000 people are newly eligible to apply for the cards. 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.
The expansion will mean that many working people who pay rent, mortgages or childcare, will now be able to benefit, with applications available from today on the HSE website.
Speaking to Northern Sound following the announcement, Monaghan Senator, Robbie Gallagher says the expansion of the free visits scheme could lead to better health outcomes for some patients.
He added that the move will result in more affordable healthcare during the cost of living crisis and has encouraged anyone who is eligible to apply.
"This is great news for those now eligible to apply and it is yet another example of Fianna Fáil in government making health care more affordable," said Senator Gallagher. "Not only is this making healthcare more affordable for patients it will also improve health outcomes.
"Removing the financial barrier to accessing a GP encourages people to seek treatment at an earlier stage, rather than delaying the decision to seek care until the point at which the illness has progressed to the point where it requires hospitalisation – a much more expensive form of care."
