Over 70s Can Sign Up Now For Free GP Visits

Anyone who is over 70 and does not have a medical card or GP visit card is now eligible to sign up for free doctor’s visits. The service will be available from Wednesday 5 August.

I am delighted that those over 70 years of age can now avail of the free GP care scheme. Those eligible will be able to sign up from today onwards when the HSE open their public registration process. The service itself will begin on Wednesday.

Registration can be done online or manually - forms will be available through the local health office network and pharmacies.

This follows the successful launch and roll-out of free GP care for under-6s.

In my previous role at the Department of Health, I was responsible for primary care and I was proud to oversee the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014, which provided the legislative basis for the provision of free GP care to all children under the age of six.

Making healthcare more affordable has long been an objective of the Labour Party in Government, and this additional step is a firm statement of our intent to deliver universal GP services without fees, on a phased basis. This is a major step forward that will deliver savings for older people in our locality and will help promote health and well-being throughout our communities.

To register online or find out more go to www.gpvisitcard.ie or call 1890 252 919.