Thousands in Kilkenny to benefit from more affordable healthcare from next week: councillor

MORE affordable healthcare – including a reduction in prescription charges for pensioners and an increase in the drugs payment scheme threshold – are due to come into effect across Kilkenny, Cllr Patrick O’Neill said today.

The Fine Gael Carlow-Kilkenny General Election candidate said the changes, which were announced in Budget 2019 and will take effect from next month, include:

*€10 reduction in the monthly drugs payment scheme threshold from €134 to €124;
*10% increase across all GP visit card weekly income thresholds;
*A reduction in prescription charges from €2 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70.

Cllr O’Neill said: “I am very pleased to see these announcements are coming on stream.

“In total, these announcements will benefit tens of thousands of people here. Fine Gael in Government is doing what we said we would do, using the benefits of our resurgent economy to help those who need it most. This is all part Fine Gael’s plan to make life easier for families, and to create a society where nobody feels left out.”

Health Minister Simon Harris said: “These changes, taking effect from the beginning of April, are about ensuring and supporting care in the community setting, a fundamental goal of Sláintecare.

“You can check your eligibility for the GP visit card at medicalcard.ie and you can apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme at mydps.ie or through your Local Health Office. The reduction in prescription fees will be applied automatically.

“I hope to see as many people as possible benefit from these measures and urge people to check their eligibility and apply.”