evidence: This is the third expansion of the scheme this year which has made free GP care available to an estimated additional 500,000 people in Ireland. [...] "You may think you do not qualify but the application process factors in household expenses such as mortgage or rent and childcare, along with income. With the increases in income threshold, now close to half of households in Ireland could be eligible for free GP care. [...] "As we implement the final phase of this expansion, I’m proud to say that close to 850,000 individuals are now eligible for free GP care, including all children up to their 8th birthday and all those over 70. This is in addition to Medical Card holders who also have access to free GP care.