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Q. What’s the difference between a medical card and a GP
visit card?
09.05.11
A medical card allows you to receive certain health services free
of charge. The main services are free GP (family doctor) services,
free prescribed drugs and medicines (except for a 50 cent charge per
prescription item), free in-patient and out-patient public hospital
services and some free dental, optical and aural services.
Medical card holders also qualify for other benefits. They pay a
reduced rate of Universal Social Charge on their income. They may
also be exempt from paying school transport charges and State exam
fees (in publicly-funded second-level schools). They may also get
financial help with buying school books. It is usually issued for a
year, after which it is reviewed.
If you do not qualify for a medical card on income grounds, you may
qualify for a GP Visit Card which entitles you to visit your family
doctor for free. It is means tested, but the income limits are 50%
higher than for the medical card. It does not cover any prescribed
drugs and does not entitle you to any other health services.
You apply for a medical card and a GP visit card on the same
application form. You can get it at your Local Health Office or
Citizens Information Centre, or download it from
www.hse.ie . Return the completed
form to your Local Health Office or health centre.
Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741
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