asked the Minister for Health the reason some spina bifida children are not entitled to a medical card, when circulars from the health board state clearly that they are entitled to same; his views on whether it is unjust that such children/adults should be assessed on the parents' income; and if he will make a statement outlining the provisions his Department has for spina bifida children/adults who are assessed in such a way given the fact that they are not accepted by the VHI.
Written Answers. - Entitlements of Spina Bifida Patients.
161.
The special statutory provisions concerning spina bifida do not relate to medical card eligibility but rather to free hospital services and to free drugs and medicines.
Spina bifida is among the prescribed diseases and disabilities specified in the Health Services (Amendment) Regulations, 1971 (SI No. 277 of 1971). Consequently, children suffering from spina bifida are entitled to hospital in-patient and out-patient treatment for that condition without charge (sections 52 (2) and 56 (3) of the Health Act, 1970, as amended by the Health (Amendment) Act, 1987), and all persons suffering from spina bifida are entitled to drugs and medicines prescribed for the treatment of that condition, free of charge under the long term illness scheme (section 59 (3) of the Health Act, 1970).
All of these entitlements are without reference to means.