If you’ve ever stood at a pharmacy counter wondering “Am I covered for this?” — you’re not alone. Ireland’s HSE medication schemes are there to make medicines more affordable, but they can be confusing. The good news? Your local pharmacy can help guide you through it all.

At Irishtown Pharmacy in New Ross, helping patients understand and access HSE schemes is part of our everyday work.

What HSE Medication Schemes Are Available?

There are a few key schemes most patients use.

Medical Card / GMS Scheme

If you hold a medical card, most prescribed medicines are covered, with only a small prescription charge.

Drug Payment Scheme (DPS)

This caps how much a family or individual pays for approved medicines each month. Once you reach the limit, the rest is covered.

Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme

If you have a qualifying condition (such as diabetes or epilepsy), medications related to that condition are provided free of charge.

These schemes are designed to reduce costs and stress — once you’re set up correctly.

How Do You Apply?

Applications are straightforward, and most can be done online through the HSE:

– DPS applications are quick and usually approved fast
– Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards depend on income and circumstances
– LTI requires confirmation of a qualifying condition

If you’re unsure where to start, this is where your pharmacist comes in. We regularly help patients:

– Check which scheme suits them best
– Understand what’s covered
– Sort out paperwork issues
– Avoid unnecessary prescription costs

Why Use Irishtown Pharmacy?

We’re one of the busiest pharmacies in New Ross, and that experience matters. Our team knows the HSE systems inside out and works closely with patients to make prescriptions run smoothly.

And yes — we know parking matters. That’s why we offer free parking, making it easier to pop in, collect prescriptions, or have a quick chat without worrying about meters or time limits.

At Irishtown Pharmacy, we believe good healthcare should be accessible, affordable, and stress-free — and we’re always happy to help you get there.