New Year’s Day reduction in cost of medication for families – Minister Harris
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 1 January 2018
- Last updated on: 27 May 2019
500,000 families to see prescription charges reduced.
€120 saving for families as threshold for Drug Payment Scheme reduced.
Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, has announced that Budget Day reductions in the cost of medicine for families kick in today.
Minister Harris said:
“As part of Budget 2018 I was delighted to be able to announce a reduction of €10 in the DPS monthly threshold, from €144 to €134, in line with commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Through a monthly cap on medicine costs the DPS aims to protect people who don’t have a medical card against excessive health costs. As a result of the change which comes into effect today families could save up to €120 a year in medication costs."
“In addition, nearly 500,000 families under the age of 70 are to save up to €60 this year from the reduction in the prescription charge to €2 per item and the maximum charge to €20 per month.”
“Reducing the cost of medicines for families is a key commitment for me as Minister, and for this Government. The measures announced in Budget 2018 build on the progress in Budget 2017, when I reduced the prescription charge for over 70’s. In line with the recommendations of Slaintecare, and subject to available resources, it is my intention to build upon these initiatives in future years and continue to reduce the cost of medicines for families.”
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
See the HSE's Guide to the Drugs Payment Scheme.