“A huge move forward” has been said of the proposal to offer free hormone replacement medication to women who are exhibiting menopausal symptoms, reports RTE.
At a Cabinet meeting this morning, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was scheduled to request government support for legislation that would permit free HRT starting in January.
In Budget 2025, Mr. Donnelly revealed plans for a publicly sponsored HRT program and set up €20 million for the initiative.
Based on current monthly payments, women might save an average of €360 to €840 annually, reports RTE.
If a woman’s healthcare physician prescribes HRT and it has been shown to be clinically suitable for her, the program will allow the State to cover the cost of the medicine.
In the event the legislation is not approved by January, free HRT may still be administered until the law is passed.
Through a Committee Stage Amendment to the annual Health Insurance Bill, which is anticipated to pass the Oireachtas in the upcoming weeks, the law is meant to be passed, reports RTE.
Budget 2025 also featured plans for ongoing support of women’s health initiatives, such as expanded access to free IVF and hormone replacement therapy.
“People who desperately need comfort and relief and support, especially the younger cohort of females, but they struggle to pay for it,” stated Dr. Deirdre Lundy, Clinical Lead of the Complex Menopause Clinic at the National Maternity Hospital, in an interview with RTÉ’s News at One, reports RTE.
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