Vol. 478 No. 4
67 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the approximate percentage of medical cards which are regranted to medical card holders following routine reviews of their continued eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11294/97]
Limerick East): On 1 January 1996 the number of persons covered by medical cards was 1,277,055. The number of persons removed from the medical card scheme in 1996 was 151,501. This figure includes deceased persons, persons who have emigrated and persons moving residence from one health board to another. Therefore, the approximate percentage of medical cards which were regranted to medical card holders following routine reviews of their continued eligibility in 1996 was 88 per cent. I am satisfied that the current arrangements regarding medical card assessment ensure that all persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to provide general practitioner services for themselves and their dependants retain their medical card entitlement.
