GLP-1 costs, the medical card and DPS

The HSE states that the DPS threshold is €80 per calendar month for an individual or eligible family, for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and specified equipment. There is no means test; applicants must live in the Republic and intend to remain for at least a year. Use the HSE's family definition rather than assuming everyone at one address is one claim.

An unapproved privately paid item does not become reimbursable because your other prescriptions reach €80. Keep it outside your DPS budget until the pharmacist confirms otherwise. For example, €80 in approved items plus a €200 unapproved private item would be €280 payable, before any separate confirmed support. The €200 is an illustration, not a medicine price.

A medical card covers GP care and most prescribed medicines, subject to the relevant rules. It does not demonstrate that an independently booked private service accepts the card. Ask the service about its consultation and follow-up fees before booking.

For covered items, the HSE lists an under-70 charge of €1.50 per item, up to €15 per person or family per month, and a lower €1 charge with a €10 monthly limit for the older age category. Exemptions apply. Ask the pharmacist which category applies to you and whether the charge is a scheme charge or a private price.

Read the separate HSE reimbursement guide for the current medicine-by-medicine evidence. A Saxenda managed-access approval is distinct from holding a medical card or DPS card. The prescriber applies for the individual approval; the pharmacy checks the dispensing route.

Bring the medicine name, prescribed indication and scheme details to the clinician or pharmacist. There is no need to send medical-card numbers, PPS numbers or medical records to GLP-1.ie to use this guide.

Ask for an itemised pharmacy receipt showing what you paid. Keep scheme payments separate from private costs and retain any later refund statement. If you next check tax relief, use only the qualifying amount you ultimately bear after reimbursements.