Over70s to access free gp care

All people over the age of 70, regardless of their income or means, are set to benefit from free GP services under a new bill approved by the Government yesterday (Tuesday).  

According to a statement issued by the Department of Health, the aim is to have a universal GP service for over-70s in the second quarter of 2015. It is proposed that the over-70s service would coincide with the introduction of the under-six service.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said: “This phase in the introduction of a universal GP service for the whole population will see free GP services extended to all persons over the age of 70, regardless of income or means. In tandem with separate plans for the under-sixes, this will ensure that the youngest and the oldest have access to GP care without fees. This is a significant step on the way towards universal health care.”

Minister of State for Primary and Social Care Kathleen Lynch welcomed the Government decision, saying: “The first two phases covering the over-70s and the under-sixes will ensure that our oldest citizens and the parents of our youngest can go to their GP, focusing on their health and not how much the visit will cost.”