A new portal similar to the flu vaccine has been created as a temporary solution to enable this new scheme to become operational in the short term. We know this is not ideal for members and the IPU team will work with the PCRS to develop an integrated IT solution over the coming months. This was done to facilitate expedient execution of the scheme.
It will still be a requirement to record the dispensing through the patient’s PMR.
We have already noted many questions and we have communicated these initial questions to the Department of Health and PCRS to gain further clarity on the operation of the scheme.
What information will be available to support members?
In the coming week we will be setting up a webpage on our website. Here will have the following to support members:
- Outline the Patient Journey;
- Frequently Asked Questions & How to Guide;
- Link to Health Promotions & information on Contraceptive Choices; and
- HSE Communications.
Once we know more about the operationalisation of the scheme, we intend to run a Webinar in the coming weeks to outline the operation of this scheme. We will record and make this available to members who are unable to attend.
Further information and guidance will be developed as the scheme unfolds.
The purpose of this email is to outline what we know to date about the scheme.
What fee has been agreed by the IPU with the Department of Health?
The dispensing fee for free contraception for woman aged 17-25yrs, as agreed with the Department of Health and approved by Executive committee and PCC last week, is as outlined below:
| Supply | Fee |
| 1 month | €6.50 |
| 2 months | €10.00 |
| 3 months | €13.50 |
| 4 months | €17.00 |
| 5 months | €21.50 |
| 6 months | €24.00 |
EHC €6.50 and consultation fee of €11.50.
A once off Administration fee €5.00 when a patient is entered into the portal for the first time.
What will be next stages?
In the immediate term, we will all seek to get the scheme operational. The Department of Health gave a commitment to include IPU in further strategic planning of contraception services and we will use this opportunity to advocate for expanded access for other age cohorts, as well as access to oral contraception without a prescription.
There are still many unknowns about this scheme but we will update members as soon as we have any more details.
