GSP 14-26 Medical/Drug Refund Schemes and Healthwave
30/June/2026
Description
As advised to the recent Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo and previous communications, the Medical and Drug Refund Schemes together with provision of medication by Healthwave, are subject to ongoing discussions and review between the Union and An Post.
Refund of medicines, including Healthwave or private doctor fees are subject to revenue threshold and compliance, with tax a possibility should the Company contribute towards the costs and also the application of Benefit in Kind (BIK). Currently, to make up a shortfall, the Company is making a contribution to the scheme which means they are not revenue compliant.
To address this and to ensure members and the company are not required to pay tax or BIK, the Company has proposed increasing the contribution by €1 to a total payment of €3 per week, from the 1st July 2026.
Having reviewed the financial circumstance, the Group of Unions has agreed to the increase on the basis that it is necessary for the viability of the schemes and the continuation of benefits for members without a liability for tax or BIK. Neither would it be sensible An Posts contribution would go directly to revenue, with no benefit to the company or staff.
The cost of the scheme has not increased since 2017 and there will not be a requirement to review the cost again until 2030.
The company will continue to pay the costs associated with of the Company Doctors Scheme.
Furthermore, we have also agreed that anyone who previously opted out of the scheme will now be afforded the opportunity to rejoin the scheme before the 30th September 2026.
The Group of Unions expects An Post to finalise in a timely manner, all other issues currently under discussion in relation to the Medical Scheme which includes access to Doctors, nurses fees etc.