The implementation of free contraception for women between the ages of 17 and 25 is expected to start tomorrow in accordance with the budget from the previous year.
According to the Irish Examiner, the scheme was supposed to be introduced this week at the Department of Health by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, but it has since been confirmed that it will start on Wednesday.
It will be up to individual GPs to sign up to the scheme. However, it is not expected that every doctor will do so, as this will depend on patient demographics at each practice, and the ability of doctors to take on extra work.
The department said: “It’s not all going to run smoothly from the beginning and there will be some teething issues, but the plan is to have this up and running on Wednesday.”
As a result, young women might possibly save hundreds of euros annually.
Mr Donnelly recognises that the cost of accessing contraception — particularly for those financially dependent on parents or guardians, or those who may be just above the means-tested thresholds for medical cards and GP visit cards — may impose a significant barrier to access.
Costs for the pill and similar repeat prescription contraceptives can be estimated at €65 to €100 every six months, and the initial costs of long-acting reversible contraception, including consultation, purchase of the device, and fitting, typically range from €250-€320. If removal costs are included, this can rise to €340-€470.
For females aged 17 to 25, the new scheme will cover the full cost of prescription contraception, including the cost of any necessary doctor appointments to go through contraceptive alternatives.
As well as offering a variety of contraceptive options like injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various oral contraceptive pill forms, including emergency contraception, it will also include the fitting or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception and any necessary checks.
The benefits of the package for women will be presented in a soon-to-be-launched national publicity campaign, which will include information on the Citizen’s Information website.