andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health if he will raise the £7,000 income eligibility limit for health services as a result of his recent discussions with the ICTU.
Written Answers. - Health Services Eligibility.
30.
At present the income limit for purposes of eligibility for health services is £5,500 and it relates to income for the year ended 5 April 1979. This position will continue until 1 June 1980. On that date a new limit of £7,000 will become effective and it will relate to income for the year ending 5 April 1980.
There is a special refund scheme in operation which was introduced to meet the agreement negotiated under the national understanding. Under this scheme persons whose income in the year ended 5 April 1979 was between £5,500 and £7,000 may claim a refund of certain expenditure including consultants' fees for services in public wards. This scheme is operated on my behalf by the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. It will remain in operation until 1 June 1980 and will continue to relate to income for the year ended 5 April 1979.