Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, you pay a maximum of €114 in a calendar month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines, and certain appliances, for use by yourself and your family in that month. (Before 1 November 2020, the maximum you paid was €124.)
The HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service provides a list of medicines or aids provided under the Drugs Payment Scheme. These products are approved for the schemes by the HSE. If a reference price has been set for the drugs you are prescribed, this is the price that the HSE will use to calculate your monthly drugs costs.
Rules
In order to qualify for this scheme, you must be ordinarily resident in Ireland. Being ordinarily resident in Ireland means that you have been living here for a minimum of one year or that you intend to live here for a minimum of one year.
The scheme covers the person who applied, his or her spouse/partner, and children aged under 18 (or under 23 if in full-time education).
A family member who has a physical or intellectual disability or an illness and is unable to fully maintain himself/herself can be included in the family expenditure regardless of age.
When you register for the scheme, you will get a plastic swipe card for each person named on the registration form. You should present this card whenever you are having prescriptions filled.
Using the card
You do not have to register with a particular pharmacy for the scheme but for convenience it is advisable to use the same pharmacy in a particular month if you wish to avoid paying more than the maximum €114.
Claiming a refund for amounts over the threshold
If you pay over the maximum, for example because you need to use two or more pharmacies in one month, you can apply for a refund of the amount above the threshold.
To apply for a refund, get a claim form from your Local Health Office, online at drugspayment.ie, or by calling 1890 252 919. Return the completed claim form to the address given on the form. You can check the status of your application for a refund at drugspayment.ie.
Expired Drugs Payment Scheme Cards
Drugs Payment Scheme Cards are issued for a limited time and the expiry date will be printed on your card. Before your card expires, you will be contacted to check if there are any changes to your details.
Lost or stolen Drugs Payment Scheme Cards
If your Drugs Payment Scheme Card is lost, stolen or damaged, you should report it using the contact details below.How to apply
You can apply for the Drugs Payment Scheme online at mydps.ie.
You can get a paper application form from your Local Health Office. You can also download a copy of the Drug Payment Scheme application form (pdf).
