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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 5

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Liz McManus

Question:

184 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons currently eligible for medical cards; the percentage of the population which this represents; the cost in 2003 of extending medical card eligibility to a further 200,000 people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22757/02]

The number of persons covered under the medical card scheme at 1 August 2002, the latest date for which figures are available, was 1,200,162. This represents 31.2% of the population. Based on data provided to my Department by the GMS (Payments) Board, the estimated annual cost of extending the medical card scheme to a further 200,000 persons would be in the region of €150 million. This figure does not take into account any adjustments which might have to be made to reflect the outcomes of industrial relations negotiations with primary care contractors or any savings which might arise under the long-term illness and drugs payment schemes.

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