Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Michael Bell

Question:

126 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children if people over 70 years of age will receive their medical cards from health boards without having to apply; if they will be required to make an application; if they have a spouse under the age of 70 years, if they will both qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19272/01]

Noel Ahern

Question:

129 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will clarify the position regarding the introduction of medical cards for persons aged 70 and over from 1 July; if agreement has been reached with the medical union; if the scheme will commence on 1 July; if free prescriptions from pharmacies can commence even if agreement is not reached with the Irish Medical Organisation; if health boards have been formally instructed on the new scheme; if a copy of the authorising circular can be supplied; if they are free to now issue cards; if any arrangements can be made for a person over 70 years to continue using a family doctor who is not on the medical card scheme; and if refunds will be paid for doctors bills submitted if the scheme's introduction is delayed. [19282/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 129 together.

Persons aged 70 years and over wishing to avail of automatic eligibility for a medical card will have to complete an application form to obtain it. A new application form has been designed for this purpose.

The automatic right to eligibility is confined to the person in the relevant age category. The provision does not extend to dependants below the age of 70 years. Persons aged 70 years and over retain the option of applying for a medical card in the normal way. If their application is successful the medical card would extend to any dependants, irrespective of age, as is currently the case.

Negotiations on the introduction of the new arrangements are continuing with the Irish Medical Organisation and they resumed this afternoon. I hope that agreement will be reached. However, it would be unhelpful to speculate on what arrangements might be put in place in regard to reimbursement of fees and access to free drugs in the event that there is no resolution. One of the issues being addressed in these negotiations relates to the position of general practitioners who do not currently hold General Medical Service contracts.

Health boards have been formally advised of ongoing developments in this area from January. They have readied their administrative processes to deal with the applications that will be made. They may issue medical card application forms to any persons requesting them, including persons aged 70 and over. Applications will be processed as quickly as possible. Any benefits attaching to a medical card for a person benefiting from the new provision cannot be effective until after 1 July.

As part of the commitment towards greater transparency all circulars issued in relation to the GMS scheme are placed for public view on the relevant website www.GPIT.ie/eGMS. The same will be done with circulars issued to health boards that are connected to the contractual aspects of implementing this new provision.