Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
426
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the number of medical cards which have been withdrawn or refused in respect of cancer patients on the basis of spouses' income; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3759/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
427
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cancer patients are being refused medical cards on the basis of their spouses' income; the reason this extra hardship is being imposed on patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3760/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 427 together.
Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Persons aged seventy and over are automatically eligible for a medical card without reference to their means. In all other cases, the means of the applicant and his or her spouse is taken into account. 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. 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 statutorily binding and even in cases where a per son's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.
Information on the numbers of medical cards issued or withdrawn is not routinely collected by my Department. The matter has been referred to health boards for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy. I am unaware of any change in the protocol being used at health board level to assess eligibility of any category of patient. Persons suffering from specified conditions, including acute leukaemia, who are not already medical card holders may obtain without charge drugs and medicines for the treatment of that condition under the long-term illness scheme. There are no plans to amend the long-term illness scheme to include persons with other forms of cancer.
Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy, over €130 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Since 1997, approval has issued for 80 additional consultant posts with support staff. This sum includes an additional €29 million allocated in 2003 for cancer services. This investment will ensure that we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services in such areas as oncology and haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services.
Question No. 428 answered with Question No. 423.
Questions Nos. 429 to 431, inclusive, answered with Question No. 108.
Question No. 432 answered with Question No. 413.
