Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Questions (390, 399, 417)

Robert Troy

Question:

390. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views that it is appropriate to refuse medical cards to children with Down's syndrome on the basis of their parents' income (details supplied). [8938/15]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

399. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding medical cards for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/15]

Finian McGrath

Question:

417. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding medical cards for children with a disability (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9167/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 399 and 417 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, eligibility for medical cards is set out in the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In accordance with the Act, the assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the means, including the income and expenditure, of the applicant and his or her partner and dependants. There is no entitlement to a medical card for a person with a particular illness or medical condition and, therefore, in accordance with the legislation, it is not possible for the HSE to award a medical card. The HSE does not collate medical card data on this basis.

However, the Government recognises that the health service needs to be responsive to the circumstances of people with significant medical needs. In November 2014, the Minister for Health and I announced a series of measures to enhance the operation of the medical card scheme and make it more sensitive to people’s needs, especially where serious illness is involved. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold. Where a person does not qualify for a medical card, they may be provided with a GP Visit Card, appropriate therapy or other community supports or drugs and appliances under the Long Term Illness scheme, where the qualification criteria are met.

Down’s Syndrome is covered under the Long Term Illness Scheme for which entitlement applies, irrespective of means. The HSE can provide the full requirements in respect of prescribed medicines and appliances free of charge through this statutory entitlement. Public dental, ophthalmic and aural treatment and appliances are also available free of charge to children and in respect of any difficulties identified at child health or school health examinations.

The Deputies will also be aware that the HSE recently established a Clinical Advisory Group for Medical Card Eligibility. The Group will provide oversight and guidance to the operation of a more compassionate medical card system and will focus initially on the development of a framework for assessment and measurement of the burden of disease in this context.