Following representations received by Government from a number of pensioners, the GHA will be making the necessary legislative modifications which will entitle all persons aged 60 and over to free prescriptions, irrespective of whether they or their spouse are in employment and therefore contributing towards the Group Practice Medical Scheme.

According to the law, which dates back to 1973, if one of the spouses is in employment and paying Social Insurance, he or she is considered to be a registered contributor to the GPMS, and as such, neither the contributor or his/her spouse are entitled to free prescriptions. This law has been applied in exactly the same manner since 1973 when the Medical (Group Practice Scheme) Act was introduced.

Once the necessary changes to the legislation are made, this historical and long-standing situation, which has existed for the past 38 years, will be eliminated. Effectively, any person aged 60 and over, will become entitled to free prescriptions, even if either or both of the spouses continue working.