Concern is being expressed that hundreds of family carers around the county could be losing out on free GP care because they don’t quality for benefit schemes.
From today, an additional 14,000 carers are eligible for free GP services – but thousands more are missing out.
From today, those who are currently in receipt of either full or half rate Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, and who do not currently hold a medical or GP visit card, are now eligible for free GP care.
But because it’s only for those on specific payment schemes, concern is now being expressed about those being left behind.
According to the CSO, in Clare there are close to 10,000 carers in total and of that number, around 5,500 are family carers – meaning they’re caring for someone in their household 24/7, 365 days a year.
Spokesperson for Family Carers Ireland Catherine Cox says there may even be many more on that list and those who don’t consider themselves a carer will also be losing out:
The development has also led to fresh concern that carers are among the most vulnerable in society because of the demands placed on them in their work.
One of the organisations that is encouraging its members to apply for the free GP care is the Alzheimers Society.
Rhonda Murphy of the Clare branch of the society says it’s vital that carers look after themselves and don’t ignore their own health for the sake of the person they’re caring for:
The HSE has set up an online system for carers to register for their free GP Visit Card on www.mymedicalcard.ie.
