Older people in Mayo to benefit from reduced prescription charges

THE Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, has confirmed that older people in Mayo are set to benefit from the government's new health legislation.

This is due to a new Bill which will see a reduction in prescription charges for 390,000 medical card holders aged 70 and over, as well as their dependents, from today, March 1.

Minister Ring stated: “New health legislation being introduced this week is good news for older people in Mayo as it will reduce their prescription charges. This means more money in the pockets of older people as they care for their health.

“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Health Simon Harris, introduced the Health Amendment Bill to cabinet. This legislation reduces the maximum charge for prescription charges for those aged over 70 years with medical cards and their dependents.

“It means that from today prescription charges will reduce from €2.50 to €2 per item and total prescription charges will be reduced from €25 to €20 per family, per month. This is set to benefit 390,000 people across the country so it’s great that older people in Mayo will benefit.

“This delivers on a key commitment in the Fine Gael manifesto before the last election to reduce the cost of prescription charges for older people.

“Next week also sees the introduction of the €5 per week increase in the old age pension.”