Under 13s free GP visits

All under-13s in the Bay of Plenty will be eligible for free GP visits starting tomorrow.

The Government announced the extension of the ‘zero fees' scheme for under-sixes in last year's budget meaning all children under 13 are now eligible for free general practice visits, both during the day and after-hours.

They will also be exempt from the standard $5 pharmacy charge for each prescription item, while it also applies to injury related visits covered by ACC.

Fees for extended consultations, procedures and extra services, such as certificates or equipment, will continue to be charged in the usual way.

It's estimated more than 400,000 children nationwide will benefit from the scheme, taking the total number of children who are benefitting from free GP visits and prescriptions to more than 750,000.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board primary health portfolio manager Phil Back says the scheme will open up free GP visits to thousands of youngsters.

'On behalf of the BOPDHB I would like to express our gratitude for the willingness shown by our local GPs to participate in this funding initiative,” says Phil.

The ‘zero fees' scheme aims to improve child health outcomes by reducing financial barriers to primary health care. Improving access to primary care can reduce complications from childhood illnesses and reduce the number of children presenting to hospital emergency departments.

'Children under the age of 13 years now have free access to primary care services through the general practice they are enrolled with, during normal business hours.

'The BOPDHB is confident that, through local arrangements made, 95 per cent of its under-13 population will have free access to after-hours primary care and pharmacy service within 60 minutes of travel from their home,” says Phil.

In the Western Bay, patients should contact their practices to see if they operate extended hours and weekend clinics. Alternatively, the existing arrangements with Accident and Healthcare, in 2nd Avenue, Tauranga, are in place and this centre is open until 9pm daily.

In the Eastern Bay, patients are advised to phone their GPs number first and they will be guided through the after-hours process.

The initiative is a part of a number of Government policies coming into effect tomorrow that will deliver real benefits to families, says Prime Minister John Key.

'We're committed to giving kids the best start in life and that means ensuring they are able to go to the doctor any time of the day or night without their parents worrying about the cost,” says John Key.

'Doctor's visits and prescriptions are already free for children under the age of six and thanks to our careful management of the government's books we have been able to extend this policy to all children under 13.”

Other changes coming into effect are; the average ACC motor vehicle levy, including the annual licence levy and petrol levy, falling from about $330 to $195 per year; and paid parental leave payments increasing with the maximum weekly rate for eligible employees and self-employed parents going from $504.10 to $516.85 gross.

There will also be more assistance for solo parents who are studying; additional checks for people working with young New Zealanders; and more funding will also be made available to hospices to help them expand their community palliative services to better support terminally ill people at home and in aged-care facilities.

'These changes show how a growing and vibrant economy is delivering New Zealanders more money in their back pockets,” says the Prime Minister.

If you are not sure whether your child is eligible for the ‘zero fees' scheme talk to your GP or pharmacist or visit www.health.govt.nz. You can also get advice from a trained nurse by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116 or Plunketline on 0800 933 922.

Any child who isn't already enrolled with a general practice can enrol for free.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.