Wednesday, 5 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos. 184 - 189

Health Insurance Levy

Questions (184)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

184. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the procedures that have been put in place by the Health Service Executive for the application of the new public bed charges for privately insured patients which came into effect on 1 January 2014; the way it is proposed to establish whether a patient has waived his or her right to treatment as a public patient; if he will accept the recommendation in the McLoughlin report that the HSE should introduce standard procedures for public hospitals following consultation with the industry which ensures that it is clear that a patient has exercised their choice as to whether they wish to be treated as a public or private patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11128/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

With respect to the application of the new charges for private in-patient services which came into effect on 1st January 2014 the HSE informs me that all hospitals are aware of the new charging rates. I am also informed that the HSE will be meeting the private health insurers shortly to discuss the new charges and that the issue of a common patient waiver/consent form for patients who opt for private in-patient care will be discussed.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (185)

Dan Neville

Question:

185. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11152/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

Health Insurance Data

Questions (186)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

186. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 26 January 2014, the age groups 17 years and under, 18 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years, 80 years and over of the 2,052,000 people reported by the Health Insurance Authority as being insured with inpatient health insurance plans at the end of December 2013; the figures for the 2,099,000 at December 2012, 2,078,000 at March 2013, 2,058,000 at June 2013 and 2,048,000 at September 2013 people also reported as being insured with inpatient health insurance plans at the end of those months. [11154/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Insurance Authority, the independent statutory regulator of the private health insurance market in Ireland, provides information to my Department on an ongoing basis, including in relation to market statistics. Quarterly figures compiled by the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) show the total number insured with health insurance plans, but do not include a breakdown of membership by age category. However, the HIA provides my Department with Information Returns on a twice-yearly basis which provide the total number insured with in-patient health insurance plans for the commercial health insurers and a membership breakdown by each age category. The relevant information for 2012 and 2013 is outlined in tabular format below. This data is compiled in respect of the commercial health insurers and excludes members of Restricted Membership Undertakings (which provide insurance to people who are members of a particular group, normally a vocational group or employees of a particular organisation) and people serving waiting periods.

Age cohort	June 2012	December 2012	June 2013	June 2013
Age 17 and under	483,107	476,983	465,240	461,604
Aged 18 to age 29	244,963	234,220	221,426	211,386
Aged 30 to age 39	323,072	314,142	304,025	295,422
Aged 40 to age 49	305,775	303,541	299,303	295,963
Aged 50 to age 59	268,451	267,065	264,782	263,036
Aged 60 to age 69	209,804	212,223	213,620	215,174
Aged 70 to 79	111,988	114,705	117,098	119,387
Aged 80 and over	45,910	47,410	48,373	48,849
Total	1,993,070	1,970,289	1,933,867	1,910,821

Health Insurance Company Payments

Questions (187)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

187. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of bed nights in a public hospital privately insured patients have used to date in 2014; the amount of extra income these charges bring to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11155/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Accident and Emergency Department Staffing

Questions (188)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

188. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of posts currently vacant in the accident and emergency department of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9. [11156/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Primary Care Centre Provision

Questions (189)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

189. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to refurbish Edenmore Health Centre, Dublin 5. [11160/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE has responsibility for the provision of Primary Care Centres and the operation and maintenance of existing health centres. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.