An extra 215,000 people will be able to access free GP care from today.
The Minister for Health has announced the opening of applications for GP visit cards for newly eligible people.
It's the first of two phases to provide free care by GPs to an estimated 430,000, becoming eligible with the second phase in November.
Applications can be made online through the HSE's website.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly outlines who will qualify for the new scheme.
" A single person who's renting with no children on an income of about €40,000.
"A couple with children with a mortgage, one income, about €53,000.
"A couple with two children, with a mortgage and childcare costs, are earning about €63,000; they would qualify.
"So, I would encourage anyone to go and take it up. Put in your own figures and your financial information and see."
