Fine Gael TD for Cork East, David Stanton has said that the start of registration for the Free GP Care service for people aged 70 and over is a great boost for the elderly people in the East Cork area and nationwide.
“Today’s announcement by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar means that from August 5th, all those aged 70 and over in will be able to see their GP without paying fees. With free GP care having been introduced for children under 6 years earlier this year this is the second phase of universal healthcare and sickness prevention.
“A simple online registration system is available at www.gpvisitcard.ie . Alternatively people can call the LoCall helpline: 1890 252 919 (Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm) and request a registration form to be sent to them by post. Forms should also be available in pharmacies and local health offices.
“I would like to stress that registration only applies anyone over 70 years who does not hold a medical card and GP visit card. People who already hold a medical card or GP visit card do not need to register.
“Free GP care was a key Fine Gael election commitment and this is just a step along that road as for the first time ever, the eldest and youngest in our society will be able to access GP care without being charged. Already this year we have introduced free GP care for under 6s, and this latest move should result in real savings for the 40,000 people over 70 who up until now had to pay for visiting their GP.
