Minister Carroll MacNeill confirms start date for free HRT scheme

Minister Caroll MacNeill confirmed it will launch in June

The programme was due to roll out in January but has faced many delays since then.

However, Minister Carroll MacNeill has confirmed today that it will be rolled out from June 1st.

The initiative is designed to give patients access to HRT products and medicines at no charge.

She stated: "I have written to all community pharmacies today asking that they support and facilitate the women in their communities to access State-funded HRT products and medicines. 

"In doing so, I am committed to supporting each participating pharmacy by paying them a €5 dispensing fee per HRT medicine/product dispensed to all eligible patients, including those existing patients under the GMS/DPS Schemes and for all other patients prescribed HRT (“private patients”), and a €1,000 once-off grant to every participating community pharmacy. 

"I have set the 1st of June as the date for commencement of this support. This will allow participating pharmacies time to be ready to facilitate the free HRT scheme to their customers."

"Women would be able to access the product and medicines at no charge."

She confirmed that dispensing fees would also be covered by participating pharmacies.

"This is an advancement on the Budget 2025 measure, which covered the cost of the medication only. Women would have had to pay the dispensing fee.

"Under this new measure, women will have to pay nothing if their pharmacy signs up."

"Improving care before, during, and after menopause is a priority for me and for the Government.

"We are committed to removing the cost of HRT medicines and products for women, and Budget 2025 provided funding for the provision of State-funded HRT products for women experiencing symptoms of menopause."

"I hope today’s commitment to pay a dispensing fee of €5 per product and a €1,000 once-off grant to participating pharmacists will deliver this initiative to the women of Ireland, noting that this is in addition to the Budget 2025 commitment to cover the cost of the medication."

All community pharmacies will be notified of the reimbursement arrangements. They will also be informed about the process for participation and the mechanism to receive the €1,000 grant.

Women will not be reimbursed for previous HRT medication, but only from the date the measure formally commences.