DRUGS PAYMENT SCHEME (DPS)

The Drugs Payment Scheme covers families and individuals for the cost of their prescribed medication. Under DPS, no family or individual will have to pay more than a set fee per month for all approved prescribed drugs, medicines and applications.

 MEDICAL CARD

• If you have a medical card, you are entitled to FREE GP and hospital services.
•  If you are issued with a medical card, the card would normally cover you and your dependent spouse and child dependants.

PRESCRIPTION LEVY

From 1^st October 2010, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced a 50c levy on every item dispensed on medical card prescriptions. Every pharmacy is now obliged by law to collect this levy on every medical card item dispensed.

If you or your family spend more than €10 per month on the levy, the amount exceeding €10 per month can be claimed back from the HSE. Under the current arrangements we are obliged to collect the 50c levy even if you have already paid in excess of €10 in a calendar month.

If you have any queries in relation to the levy or if you need the local HSE office contact details, please ask your pharmacist or visit www.hse.ie for more information.

 LONG TERM ILLNESS

• Persons suffering from certain conditions in Ireland, who are not already medical card holders, may obtain without charge the drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition.
• Remember, the Long Term Illness Scheme does not depend on your income or other circumstances and is separate from the Medical Card Scheme and the GP Visit Card Scheme.

 ESSENTIAL NON-GMS SCHEME

This scheme involves the provision of medicines, medical and surgical appliances appropriate to the
treatment of their condition to persons with full eligibility (i.e. medical card holders) and persons
suffering from a long term prescribed illness, who are not able to provide these requirements for
themselves.

 EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

• As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.
• One Card is needed for each individual or member of the family.
• Apply online at www.ehic.ie or ask instore
for a form