Dublin Fingal TD and Fine Gael Spokesperson on Climate Action has welcomed the implementation of several changes to our healthcare system that took effect on Sunday, November 1st, 2020.
Deputy Farrell said, “These changes will benefit in excess of one million people in Ireland and result in more affordable healthcare being provided in our community.”
“As of Sunday, November 1st, three important steps that will improve health services for a broad range of people in our society, were implemented. This includes the reduction of prescription charges by 50 cent which will help over 1.58 million people and mean that people under 70 years old will only pay €15 for prescriptions while those over 70 will only pay €10.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “The over 70s medical card income limit has also been raised to €550 per week, for a single person and €1050 for couples. This represents an increase of €50 and €150 respectively. There are approximately 56,000 people that will benefit from this change.”
“The Drugs Payment Scheme will also see changes, in the form a €10 reduction. This means the maximum an eligible person will pay per month is €114.”
Deputy Farrell added, “These are significant changes that will have a significant impact for a great many people in Ireland. They make our healthcare system more accessible and more affordable which will, in turn, improve the overall health and wellbeing of our people.”