The HSE has encouraged people to apply for the GP visit card online that would allow them to see the doctor for free.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly encouraged people to fill in the online application for the benefit, which would save people around €70 per GP visit and out-of-hours urgent GP care.
This comes after an additional 215,000 people have become eligible for a GP visit card from today with almost 850,000 now eligible for free GP care - including all children up to their 8th birthday and everyone over 70.
Encouraging those eligible to apply for a card Shaun Flanagan, HSE Assistant National Director, Primary Care Reimbursement Service said: "The HSE would encourage all those who think they may be eligible to apply. It’s important to remember that you could quality even if the amount of money you earn is high and if your expenses are also high. Your application will be means tested and you will be asked to self-declare your income and allowable outgoings.
READ MORE: Fears free GP care extending to under 8s will clog up waiting rooms
"When you apply, you should have you PPSN number, income and expense details, marital status, DOB (date of birth) and details on any children dependent on you to make it easier for you. Remember the quickest and easiest way to apply for a GP visit card is online.
"GP visit cards allow the holders to access GP care without charges. If you have a GP visit card, you don't have to pay to see your doctor, but you will have to pay for medicines and other services."
Who is eligible?
People can apply for a GP visit card if they are age 8 to 69, live in the Republic of Ireland or plan to live here for at least a year, and will be income tested.
This means the HSE look at a person’s income, personal circumstances and expenses to see if they qualify.
The HSE operates random and targeted control processes to ensure that only those who qualify receive means tested GP visit cards. You may be asked to produce supporting documentation to process your application.
The HSE is encouraging all those who may be eligible to apply online via the link hse.ie/gpvisitcards.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
