Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

443 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the current income guidelines for medical cards; if he will consider reassessing the income guidelines for those old age pensioners who are currently not automatically entitled to a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26751/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means. Under the Health Act, 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. In addition, persons aged 70 and over are automatically eligible for medical cards.

Income guidelines are drawn up to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However, the guidelines are not sta tutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his\her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be awarded to individual family members on this basis. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.

The Deputy may be aware that under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, a commitment was given that the health board chief executive officers would examine the operation of the medical card scheme in consultation with the social partners with particular emphasis being placed on the needs of families with children, and on removing anomalies and barriers to take-up, including information deficits. This review has been completed recently and I understand that the chief executive officers will present a report on their findings to my Department shortly. This report will be considered as part of the existing examination of the issue of eligibility that is taking place in the context of the new health strategy that is currently being prepared in my Department.