The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has announced new steps to make it simpler for people to see if they qualify for a GP Visit Card and to complete an application.

According to the Healthy Ireland Survey, 1 in 4 people without a medical or GP visit card avoid seeing a GP when they need to because of cost. While free GP care was extended to an additional half a million people in 2023, only about 40% of those newly eligible have successfully applied for a GP Visit Card.

The measures unveiled are intended to improve understanding of eligibility and increase uptake of the support.

Research published by the Minister, carried out by the Department of Health and the Irish Government Economic & Evaluation Service (IGEES), assessed people's experience of applying for a GP Visit Card and recommended practical changes to make the process more accessible. The behavioural study aligns with OECD best practice in public service delivery.

In response, the HSE has introduced a pre-application eligibility calculator to help people assess whether they may qualify for a GP Visit Card or a Medical Card and to guide them to the most suitable application route. The tool is intended to streamline access to entitlements. Commenting on the measures, Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "More than half a million people became eligible for a Free GP Visit Card when we expanded the scheme in 2023. However, many people may not realise they qualify. That is why we are launching a new calculator on MyMedicalCard.ie to allow people to quickly check whether they may qualify.

"Too many people may be missing out on a GP Visit Card simply because they are unsure if they qualify or because the application process can appear complicated. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to check their eligibility and apply for the supports they are entitled to.

"Improving access to healthcare is a key priority for me and a core objective of Sláintecare. By making services easier to understand and easier to access, we can help ensure that people receive the care and supports they need, when they need them.

"I welcome the implementation of the recommendations from this report by the HSE today. If you think you may qualify for a GP Visit Card, I encourage you to visit MyMedicalCard.ie, check your eligibility upfront and apply online today."

The report, A Sludge Audit of the GP Visit Card application process, found that some applicants face needless hurdles when checking eligibility or completing forms. It identified three main barriers: difficulty confirming eligibility before applying; insufficient visibility of the self-declaration application route; and challenges navigating the process.

The HSE's response includes launching the pre-application calculator, improving signposting for the self-declaration option, and beginning a programme of user-experience and process enhancements to make applications clearer, quicker and easier to complete.