MEANS-TESTING GP appointments for children will not be considered by the Social Security Minister.
Responding to a question from Deputy Max Andrews, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham firmly told States Members her position that GP appointments should remain free for all children, no matter their household’s level of income.
In 2023, doctors’ appointments became free of charge for all children in Jersey aged 17 and under as part of the Health Access Scheme.
It also covers free blood and urine tests, referral letters, ECGs, swabs, spirometry, ear syringing, and pregnancy tests.
In November last year, the scheme was extended to include full-time students, who can now visit their GP free of charge.
Quizzed on whether there will be sufficient expenditure going forward in the Health Insurance Fund—which the scheme is funded through—Deputy Feltham defended her decision and added that present costs would prevent other sums incurred for the health service if parents cannot access affordable healthcare, such as the A&E Department.
Deputy Feltham added that she continues to “work closely” with Health Minister Tom Binet around health budgets and where that funding comes from.
“I think we need to be very careful when we talk about means-testing,” she addressed the Assembly.
Emphasising potential barriers to healthcare upon the introduction of a test, Deputy Feltham said a household income-related measure “would absolutely hit” middle-income families.
“This [healthcare] is a very real factor in relation to the cost of living,” she added.
“People should not be afraid to go to their GP, people should seek as early intervention as possible, and that will lead to further savings in the long run, both in terms of quality of life for people, but also in savings in the secondary care sector.”
