More people will be able to visit their family doctor for free from today

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An extra 215,000 people are now eligible for free GP Visit Cards.

Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly says those who are now eligible for the free GP visit card and can apply for it on the HSE website.

Nearly 850,000 people are now able to get free GP care, including all children up to their 8th birthday and all those over 70.

Minister Donnelly has made the announcement today, which is the third expansion of the scheme.

It follows the roll-out of free GP Visit Cards to 78,000 children aged 6 and 7 in August.

The Irish Independent reports, that people have been urged to fill in an online application for the benefit, which will save them around €70 per GP visit.