Only 12% take up free GP visit cards despite Government expansion, HSE data shows
Just 12% of the 430,000 people eligible for the Government's free GP visit cards have taken them up, leading to calls from doctors for the application process to be revamped.GP Visit cards save the cost of a GP appointment which can be as much as €70. They also give free access to care for conditions such as asthma, Type 2 diabetes, and heart care.However, a leading GP has said people feel they are being asked to share too much financial data with the HSE to get the cards. In August 2023, the department of health announced what it called “ the biggest expansion in eligibility for free GP care in the history of the State”.This included giving means-tested access to the cards for 430,000 people aged 8 to 69. People outside those age groups and carers already had access.The test looks at income and out-goings such as childcare, travel to work costs, or rent fees.However new HSE data shows just 53,555 people have been awarded these cards through this self-declaration process since September 2023.Dr Tadhg Crowley, a GP in Kilkenny and chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP committee, called for a re-think.“The figures are low and for everyone concerned is disappointing,” he said.
Certainly people have got it and a few of my patients have got it, but considering the number of patients we’ve all told about it they haven’t taken it for whatever reason.
Dr Crowley said the process to get the card itself is a key barrier.“The application takes a bit of time and commitment,” he said.“You’re telling people they have a very high chance of getting it at the moment, but there is a process and they probably don’t believe there is that possibility. “You’re sitting down with people and explaining. It’s a time issue for them and it’s difficult.” Dr Crowley is also aware people worry the service they receive as a card-carrying patient might be inferior to those who pay for their appointment, even though he stressed this is not the case.“They’re wondering if they apply — does that mean they are going to less health services from their GP,” he said.“They’re reading the whole time GP services are hard to get and it’s hard to get into see a GP.” He acknowledged the system was already updated following earlier concerns. However these figures, he said, show more change is needed.“I do think there’s that barrier, people think ‘do I really want to give this information’ but I do think it’s a process worth doing,” he said.He called on the Government to consider a change, saying:
Maybe there’s an easier way to do it, in terms of tax returns maybe. Could they increase the limits and forget people’s expenses?
“I think they have to make it easier.” Overall the HSE said 761,345 people held a GP visit card at the end of July. This includes 340,609 children under the age of eight and 199,418 adults over the age of 70.Cards are also given to people on carers benefit or allowance.
