Kilkenny families encouraged to register for free GP care for children aged 6 and 7

From today (August 11) the under 6s GP Visit Card scheme has been expanded to provide free GP care to all children under the age of 8 in Ireland. 

More than 78,000 children are set to benefit from the change.  

The move represents the first stage in the biggest expansion in eligibility for free GP care covering up to half a million people.  

The expansion of the scheme is supported by the landmark agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Irish Medical Organisation signed last month which put in place a series of financial supports for GPs. 

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said, “I’m delighted to see the expansion of free GP care to under 8s. From today (Friday, August 11, 2023) families can register their children aged 6 and 7 for their GP visit card.  

“This is a positive step towards ensuring that healthcare is more affordable for families. This is one of a number of measures that has been introduced by Government to make sure that that cost is not a barrier to children accessing healthcare. This move will undoubtedly be of huge benefit to children and their families.”    

This expansion of free GP care to children aged six and  is the first stage of the expansion in eligibility for GP care without charges under the GP Agreement 2023. It will be followed by the expansion of free GP care to people earning up to the median income in September and November this year.  

In total, approximately 500,000 additional individuals are estimated to become eligible under this expansion, 78,000 children aged six and seven and 430,000 individuals earning up to the median income.