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Illness Benefit Applications Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2018

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Questions (234)

John Brady

Question:

234. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the percentage of new forms being received by the illness benefit section since their introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41270/18]

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Written answers

In August 2018, my Department introduced a new claim form and medical certificate to replace the previous forms used for certification of the Department’s Illness and Injury Benefit schemes. This change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after the change over date.

My Department has a contract with GP panellists and has written to each panellist regarding the recent changes. In addition, we are consulting with the IMO under our Framework Agreement on a range of issues including e-certification, closed certification and changes to forms. While these discussions are on-going, it would not be appropriate, at this time, to provide details regarding the usage of new forms. However, I understand that the majority of claims and medical certificates received in my Department are in the new format.

In order to facilitate the continued payment of Illness and Injury Benefits to our customers, the Department has, to date, continued to accept old forms where provided by GPs. It has also made additional resources available to help manually process claims and medical certificates received on these forms.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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