Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014
662. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the circumstances regarding the medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if he will review the refusal and-or revocation of the full medical card in June 2014 in view of the fact that their conditions are incurable and progressive; if a medical card will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25516/14]
View answerI understand from the Deputy's question that the individual in question was subject to a review under the revised gross income limits under the scheme of assessment for an Over-70s medical card. Under the legislation, determination of eligibility for a medical card - an appeals thereon - is the responsibility of the HSE and, as I have no role in this process, it would be inappropriate for me to interfere.
If, however, the medical card held was originally awarded after the exercise of discretion, the Deputy will be aware of the recent decision of the Cabinet committee on Health that a policy framework should be drawn up in a manner in which medical conditions could be fully taken account of in the assessment of eligibility for a medical card. The HSE has established an Expert Panel to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as a basis for eligibility.
In the context of the work of the Expert Panel, the Director General of the HSE suspended further reviews of medical and GP visit cards where discretion had been exercised to take account of medical circumstances, pending the outcome of this process. This includes people who are currently in the review or appeals process.
