evidence: Free GP care could be introduced for the entire population within three years at a maximum cost to the State of €881 million, according to new research. [...] The research suggests the cost of extending free GP care to all in 2026 would vary between €381 million and €881 million, depending on population growth and ageing, take-up rates and payments made to doctors. [...] The research looked at two sets of scenarios based on age and income. In the first approach, free GP care would be extended year by year for different age groups; this year, for six- and seven year olds; in 2024, for 50-69 year olds; in 2025, to eight to 17 year olds; and in 2026, to 18-49 year olds. The projected cost to the State here was estimated at €462 million to €881 million.