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There are more than 2,000 fewer people eligible for a medical card in Clare in the past five years.
The latest figures from the HSE, show over 40,000 people in the county are currently in possession of a medical card.
As of this July, 40,571 people in Clare are in possession of a medical card, which entitles them to access GP services, community health services, dental services, prescription medicines and hospital care free of charge.
This is a jump of more than 550 people on the same time last year, but a drop of 2,035 when compared to 2017.
Of the total number eligible for a medical card in the banner, more than 37,000 of those are families.
Almost 18% of medical card holders in Clare are aged over 75, while 12% are between 55 and 64 years of age.
An additional 12,036 have access to a GP visit card in the banner.
This allows them to visit their doctor for free, however, it doesn’t include additional benefits.
The free GP card is available to all over 70’s without an income test – with nearly 4,000 holders in Clare.
Similarly, all under 6’s receive free GP care, with over 5,000 in Clare falling into this category.
