WORKERS in Limerick are being encouraged to avail of the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which offers free eye tests, hearing tests, and dental appointments.
The scheme also provides financial support for those losing their hair through cancer treatment or certain kinds of alopecia.
People who have enough qualifying PRSI contributions are eligible for the scheme, which offers free or part funded treatments. Close to 1.2 million people across Ireland have already availed of the scheme in some form this year alone.
Under the scheme, eligible people can avail of a free annual dental examination, with a payment of €42 towards a scale and polish or any periodontal treatment, once per calendar year.
People can also get a free eyesight test every two years and an allowance towards glasses, contact lenses, medical lenses, and repairs.
There is also a grant of €500 per hearing aid every four years (€1,000 for a pair), as well as a grant of up to €100 per aid for cost of repairs every four years.
Those who have suffered hair loss on account of ongoing cancer treatment or certain types of alopecia can also avail of grants of up to €500 for the purchase of wigs and hair replacement products.
Limerick Minister Patrick O’Donovan said that the scheme has recently been expanded and urged younger workers across the county to make sure they get what they are entitled to.
For more information on the scheme and how to apply for the range of financial supports and grants, visit gov.ie/en/service/1fb655-treatment-benefit-scheme/
