Last week’s Budget sounded the death knell for a number of key PRSI benefits including optical, dental and aural care. The newly downsized Treatment Benefit Scheme is another blow to Irish taxpayers. While workers must continue to pay PRSI, the associated benefits have all but been erased. According to the Irish government, the measures are temporary. However, that won’t be of any consideration to almost 2 million people covered by PRSI who have now lost their entitlements. The revised Scheme will be introduced in 2010. With just under two weeks to go, you still stand to make savings.
Lenihan creates eyesore
In the wake of the Budget, people covered by PRSI will still get their eyesight examined for free but will no longer be entitled to free or subsidised glasses. Payments towards the cost of contact lenses will also cease.If you need a new pair of specs but have been continually putting it on the long finger, now is the time to get moving as changes will be introduced after the 31st December. Avail of the present PRSI benefits while you still can as upgrading your eyewear can be costly.
Money saving tip!
If you have paid substantial PRSI and are eligible to receive PRSI benefits, order and collect contact lenses at your local opticians in advance of December 31st. If you fancy a new look for the New Year, Specsavers stock an extensive range of glasses from €39-€59. PRSI should cover the entire cost within this price range.
Dental care costs to rise
Dental care benefits were all but depleted by Budget 2010. Free examination will continue but you may no longer claim money back on treatments. Entitlements to a free clean-and-polish or reduced rates for extractions and fillings will end in January. The situation is aggravated by the expense of private dental care. Dentists will have to respond to market changes in order to meet consumer demands. If they refuse to do so, the numbers of people travelling abroad for dental treatments will undoubtedly increase.
Money saving tip!
The Irish Dental Association has urged all patients to contact their local dentist before the 31st December to secure PRSI benefits. Simply put, if you are an eligible candidate and book an appointment before the 31st of December, you will still receive free or reduced rates on dental treatment for the first three months of 2010.
Tags: government, health tips, Savings
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I had no idea the Budget had these implications on PRSI, how did I miss that!
Thank you so much for the tips, I will definitely be getting on to my dentist to book an appointment.
Thanks for this update - the pain of the dentist will be compensated by putting one over on “Rubber Lips” & Co!!!!
website needs to be update if it is to be any use to users !! has not been changed since DECEMBER 2009 ????????????