Gay Mitchell
Question:320 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual forecasted cost of providing medical cards for persons aged 70 and over when the scheme was approved; and the cost in 2002. [8799/02]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
The original forecasted cost of providing medical cards for persons aged 70 and over was approximately €19 million. This figure was based on a possible 39,000 eligible persons and is predomi nantly made up of capitation payments to doctors, other costs considered include increased practice support grants and allowances. The most recent figures available to my Department suggest that the number of people in this age category is now in the region of 71,000.
In relation to 2002 costs, my Department is working with the health boards and the GMS (Payments) Board to determine the likely full year costs in consideration of the evidence which suggests that people in this age category continue to register. As part of this work an assessment will be made of the offsetting savings emerging within the drug payments scheme following the transfer of persons aged 70 and over to the GMS scheme. It is not possible, therefore, to put an accurate figure on full year costs for 2002 at this time.