andJack Lynch asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement concerning the position of people who have been admitted to hospital before obtaining medical cards and who are then refused application forms for such cards, even though they are members of the lower income group and include persons who have been granted the full old age pension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refusal of Medical Card Applications.
In accordance with present Regulations under the Health Act, 1953, a health authority is under statutory obligation to provide the hospital services needed for any person in its functional area who is unable by his own industry or other lawful means to provide such services for himself and his dependents. While possession of a medical card is ordinarily evidence of eligibility a person is not necessarily ineligible for services because he does not possess a medical card.
Prima facie, most persons in receipt of full old age pensions would be eligible for free hospital treatment at present.
It is the duty of health authorities to facilitate persons who wish to apply for any benefit under health legislation and, that being so, it is difficult for me to appreciate why any such authority should refuse to issue an application form on request.
I have had several cases of this, where the home assistance officers will not give a form. If the person is in hospital at the time, they refuse him because they say he is not in need of dispensary treatment. I have a note signed by the city manager which says that, if the person has not a medical card, he will not pay for him. Whom are we to believe, the Minister, the home assistance officer or the city manager?
If the Deputy would care to give me some particulars, I will have the matter investigated.
It is a matter that wants clearing up.