All you need to know about free GP care for under 6’s
Q. How can I get this new service ?
Medical Card Holders: If your child or children have a medical card or GP Visit Card they will automatically be registered for this scheme. Non-Medical Card Holders: If your child or children do not have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card you must register them for the scheme.
Q. What Information do I need to register ?
Your child or children’s PPs number, your PPS number and contact details. Select your GP of choice. http://www.hse.ie/under6contract
Q. Where can I get details of my child’s PPS number ?
When you register your child’s birth, the Department of Social Protection writes to you with their PPS number. If your do not have a PPS number for your child please contact the Client Identity Services Department of Social Protection, on 1890 927999 or email cis@welfare.ie
Q. Why is a parent’s or guardian’s PPS number needed ?
The HSE needs your PPS number to link children under six years with all family members who are in receipt of services under the community health schemes.
Q. Do I get a GP Visit Card for my child or children ?
Yes, once the registration of your child or children is complete, a GP Visit card for children under six will be posted to the address provided for each eligible child.
Q. What if I haven’t received my GP visit card by July 1 ?
You can still attend your GP if he or she has accepted your registration for the scheme.
Q. My child’s 6th birthday is in July 2015, should I still register my child ?
Yes. All children who have not reached their 6th birthday and who live in Ireland or who intend to live in Ireland for a year, are eligible for service under the GP Visit Card for children under-six scheme, If your child’s 6th birthday occurs in July 2015, you should register your child and he/she will be eligible for GP Visit Card for children under six until the end of July 2015
Q. What happens if my children attend separate GPs ?
If a child or children attend separate GPs, you must complete a separate registration for each child and choose the GP of choice on each registration
Q. Why is my GP of choice not listed ?
Your GP of choice may not be listed if they have not signed the Agreement to Provide Service to children under six years, or if they are not accepting any further registrations. You can pick another GP. Your GP’s application to join the under-sixes scheme may be being processed. Contracts are updated on a daily basis as is the list of available GPs under the scheme.
Q. Can I change details submitted during the online registration process ?
If you have completed a registration for your child or children using the online registration facility, you may log in to your previously registered account, to update or add additional information. Alternatively, you can complete another registration form to update or add additional information to your record.
Q. I have registered my child online, so what happens next ?
Once you complete the registration process, details are sent to your GP of choice who must accept your child or children to his or her patient panel. Once the GP of your choice has confirmed acceptance of the registration of your child or children a GP Visit Card will be issued to all eligible children within a few days. If your GP is not accepting electronic registrations, you will be informed by email. Just print the attachment to the email and bring it to your GP for them to complete the GP Acceptance section and return it to GP Visit Card For Children Under Six, PO Box 12629, Dublin 11.
Q. I have selected a GP of choice, is my child or children now covered under this scheme ?
Confirmation of acceptance of your child or children is needed from your GP of choice. Your child or children’s eligibility will not begin until you receive confirmation that your GP of choice has confirmed that they have accepted your child or children.
Q. What happens when my child or children turn six years old ?
You will be notified by the National Medical Card Unit approximately three months before your child or children’s eligibility is due to expire. A ‘valid to’ date is displayed on your child’s GP Visit Card.
Q. I have submitted a Medical Card/GP Visit Card application: do I need to include my child or children under six on the application ?
When applying for a Medical Card/GP Visit Card you should include the details for all your children, including any under six years. This will enable the National Medical Card Unit to calculate the correct financial threshold appropriate to your family. Each member of your family will receive a Medical Card or GP Visit Card once the eligibility criteria are met. Should your Medical Card application be unsuccessful, your child or children who are under the age of six years will automatically get eligibility to a GP Visit Card.
Q. What services are provided under the GP Visit Card for children under six ?
With the GP Visit Card for under sixes your child will get free GP visits, assessments at age two and five and care for children with asthma.
Q. Will I have to pay for medicines prescribed by me GP for my children under six years ?
The card for children under six does not cover the cost of medications prescribed by a GP or hospital charges. If your child has eligibility under the Long-Term illness Scheme, they will receive free drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly relating to the treatment of the illness. If your don’s have a Medical Card you should apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme card. Under the DPS, an individual or family pays €144 maximum a month for their medicines and certain appliances.
Q. Will home visits by my GP be covered ?
Yes, home visits are covered. It will be a matter for the GP to exercise his/her judgement in each individual case in determining whether a home visit is warranted.
Q. Will out of hours urgent GP care be provided ?
Yes, this will be covered.