Medical Cards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2012

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Questions (65)

John Deasy

Question:

64 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently investigate the process for medical card applications; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that current medical cards which are due to expire are not being rolled over pending decision on their renewal and that doctors and pharmacists are refusing treatment because they will not receive payment for same due to the renewal being operational only from a current date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8503/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

Under a new procedure, a medical card will remain valid, irrespective of the expiry date shown on the card, once the medical card holder is genuinely engaging with the HSE review process. The medical card status of an individual can be confirmed by any doctor or pharmacist in their practice or pharmacy, or by the medical card holders themselves either on-line at www.medicalcard.ie or through their GP’s practice system. However, I am aware that there have been difficulties for a number of individuals. The HSE is taking steps to ensure that this rule is properly implemented.