Reduction to prescription charges for over 390,000 people announced

Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced that 390,000 people over the age of 70 with a medical card, including their dependents, will benefit from reductions to prescription charges.

From today, Wednesday 1st March, prescription charges will be reduced from €2.50 to €2.00 per item, and in addition, the maximum monthly limit will be reduced from €25 to €20 per person or family per month.

These changes will benefit over 390,000 medical card holders according to the Department of Health, advancing what the Government say is a key Programme for Government commitment to reduce the cost of medicines for medical card holders.

Commenting on the reduction to prescription charges for eligible older people and their dependents, the Minister said: “I am very pleased to be in a position to announce its immediate effect.

“Naturally as we grow older, we require more medical help and assistance and from tomorrow, 390,000 of our older friends and family will pay less for their medicines.”