If you are over 70 years of age you will be entitled to Free GP Care starting on the 5th of August. Older people with no medical cards or GP visit cards can start registering for Free GP Care as from today. Minister Health Leo Varadkar and Primary Care Minister Kathleen Lynch announced the new GP service today.
“This is the next step to universal health care. From August 5th, all 400,000 people aged 70 and over will be able to see their GP without paying fees. It’s an important step because, for the first time, the eldest and youngest on our society will be able to access GP care without being charged,” Health Minister Leo Varadkar said.
The HSE has also started a HSE Public Information Campaign. The campaign will aim at helping 400,000 people aged 70 years and older, who do not have medical cards or GP visit cards, to register for the Free GP Care service. Younger people has also been taken to the second phase of the universal GP care and plans to expand on the services for those under 18 will mean better primary care.
Minister Lynch said: “As we continue to expand free GP care to those under 18 years of age, we will also provide more services in primary care. We will focus on early intervention, providing services such as minor surgery and managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma in primary care. As the number of primary care teams and centres continue to increase, so too will the range of services being provided.”
Getting the Free GP service organised won’t be difficult; there are only a few easy steps to follow. Mr John Hennessy who is the HSE National Director of Primary Care explains the procedure to follow: “Registration of a person aged 70 or older just requires the person’s name, PPS number, gender, date of birth, contact details and the selection of a GP of choice. Alternatively people can download a form from the website www.gpvisitcard.ie , or call 1890 252 919 to receive a copy by post. The registration form will also be available in pharmacies and local health offices.”
