Addressing the low uptake of GP visit cards

During the 2023 IMO AGM, there was considerable consternation among GPs about the then imminent extension to GP eligibility.

The Government’s plan to increase ‘free GP care’ to all children aged six and seven, as well as on the basis of income, received strong criticism for not taking into account the capacity constraints within general practice.

In his presentation to the national GP meeting at the AGM, the Chair of the GP committee Dr Tadhg Crowley said the IMO had serious concerns about the accuracy of the Government projections.

“There is no clarity on the numbers and assumptions are being used,” Dr Crowley said at the time.

“The numbers could be anywhere between 430,000 (including those aged six and seven) and 800,000.”

Shortly after the AGM, an agreement between the IMO and the Government was announced, which established various supports for GPs to allow for the eligibility expansion. The financial package amounted to approximately €130 million annually.

The deal was one reason for the positive atmosphere at the 2024 national IMO GP meeting. However, the low uptake of GP visit cards (GPVCs) was a talking point.

Speaking to the Medical Independent (MI) at the AGM in April, Dr Crowley said it was important to examine the issue and address any obstacles in the application process.

However, the low uptake of GPVCs is still a problem, which is examined in-depth in an article in this edition of MI.

While eligibility for free GP care was extended to approximately 500,000 adults and children in September 2023, it is estimated that nearly 400,000 people have yet to take advantage of the offer.

Market research conducted on behalf of the HSE found the
most common issue was “eligibility perception”.

Over half of respondents believed they wouldn’t qualify for a GPVC due to their income, assuming they earned too much to be eligible.

The HSE has recently launched a social media campaign across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, aimed at raising awareness about eligibility.

The Department of Health also ran a media campaign on the issue.

GPs believe that the primary obstacle has been the complexity of the application process. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has acknowledged this point and work has been undertaken to streamline the system.

The low uptake of cards highlights a persistent challenge in ensuring equitable access to healthcare. While initiatives to raise awareness and simplify the process are underway, the gap between policy and public participation suggests deeper issues with communication and engagement.