The free HRT scheme will be rolled out from June

Last month, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill finally confirmed the start date for the HRT scheme.

The programme was due to roll out in January, but has faced many delays since then. However, it will officially be rolled out from June 1st.

Boots is committed to supporting women's health and well-being, and participation in this scheme underscores that commitment.

By joining, Boots will provide eligible individuals with access to free HRT prescriptions at its pharmacies nationwide.

Superintendent pharmacist at Boots, Caoimhe McAuley, commented:

"Boots is proud to be part of this important initiative, which will make HRT more accessible to women. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services and supporting women through all stages of their lives."

The announcement comes ahead of the scheme's official launch.

Further details on how to access free HRT prescriptions through Boots will be available on the Boots website and in Boots pharmacies nationwide from June 1st, 2025.

The free HRT scheme is designed to give patients access to HRT products and medicines at no charge.

Minister Carroll MacNeill has asked community pharmacies to support and facilitate women in their communities to access State-funded HRT products and medicines. 

"In doing so, I am committed to supporting each participating pharmacy by paying them a €5 dispensing fee per HRT medicine/product dispensed to all eligible patients, including those existing patients under the GMS/DPS Schemes and for all other patients prescribed HRT (“private patients”), and a €1,000 once-off grant to every participating community pharmacy."

She confirmed that dispensing fees would also be covered by participating pharmacies.

“This is an advancement on the Budget 2025 measure, which covered the cost of the medication only. Women would have had to pay the dispensing fee.

“Under this new measure, women will have to pay nothing if their pharmacy signs up.”