Help with medical costs ‘no longer affordable’

FREE hearing aids, dental and eye treatment are among some of the benefits that would be removed under the proposals in this week’s Bord Snip Nua report.

The discontinuation of the Treatment Benefit Scheme – assistance in meeting medical costs for those who have made PRSI contributions – cost the state €92 million this year and are “no longer affordable” according to the report.

Electricity and telephone allowances to the elderly would also be cut under the proposed changes to the Household Benefits Package which also provides a free TV license to older people.