Richard Bruton
Question:154 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has made provision in the 2004 Estimates for an extension of entitlement to the medical card; and the new provisions envisaged. [27945/03]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
As the Deputy is aware, the health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines to increase the number of persons on low income who are eligible for a medical card, as well as to give priority to families with children and particularly children with a disability. This should be viewed in the broader context of the strategy's emphasis on fairness and its stated objective of reducing health inequalities in society. Due to the prevailing budgetary situation, I regret that it will not be possible to meet this commitment for next year but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes within its lifetime.
It should be remembered that the chief executive officers of the health boards have discretion in the issuing of medical cards. A range of income sources are excluded by the boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Many allowances, such as carers' allowance, child benefit, domiciliary care allowance, family income supplement and foster care allowance, are disregarded when determining a person's eligibility. In light of these factors and the discretionary powers of the chief executive officers, the fact that one's income exceeds the guidelines does not mean one will not be eligible for a medical card. Such a card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances justify it.
Richard Bruton
Question:155 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has made provision in the 2004 estimates to allow the chief executive officers of the health boards to index up the income guidelines for the medical card in accord with inflation. [27946/03]
Income guidelines are drawn up each year by the chief executive officers of the health boards or the ERHA to assist in determining a person's eligibility for a medical card. The guidelines are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. It should be noted, however, that the guidelines are not statutorily binding. Although a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances justify it. 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 the services for themselves or their dependants without hardship. The Department of Finance has made a provision in the 2004 Estimates for non-pay inflation. This is included in my Department's Estimate of €10.05 billion.