Peter Burke
Question:441. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if certain issues (details supplied) are being considered in the fair deal scheme review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8320/17]
View answerTuesday, 21 February 2017
Questions (441)
Written answers
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care. Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.
Importantly, a farm (or relevant business) can also qualify for this three year cap where unexpected health events prevent early succession arrangements. This applies where:
a) The applicant has suffered a sudden illness or disability which caused them to require care services and
b) A substantial part of the working day of the applicant or their partner was regularly and consistently applied to the farming of the farm or carrying on of the relevant business until the onset of the sudden illness or disability, and
c) A family successor certifies in writing that he or she will on a consistent and regular basis apply a substantial part of his or her working day to the farming of the farm or the carrying on of the relevant business.
When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Review was published in July 2015. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress certain recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners and, when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. The IFA made a submission to the Working Group on the treatment of farms for the purposes of the Scheme. These proposals are currently being considered. An initial report on progress was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016. The Programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms.
The Fair Deal Scheme operates under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009. There are no provisions in the Act to reimburse family members for out of pocket expenses for visiting relations in nursing homes. Under the Scheme, the choice of nursing home lies with the applicant, who can choose any public, voluntary or approved private nursing home. The home must have availability and be able to cater for the applicant's particular needs.