Tanaiste calls on doctors to reduce their charges
The Tanaiste is putting pressure on doctors to reduce the amount of money they receive to provide healthcare for elderly medical card holders.
Mary Coughlan has indicated that if GPs were prepared to take less money, the Government could readdress the abolition of universal medical cards for the over 70s.
There has been uproar since the Government announced in the Budget on Tuesday that they would be scrapping the scheme, which automatically entitles every person over 70 to a medical card.
The Minister for Health issued modifications to scheme last night.
People on the State contributory pension will still qualify, and those over the threshold will receive either a GP-only card or a ?400 annual payment, depending on their financial situation.
