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Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Questions (622)

Peter Burke

Question:

622. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if it was policy that the fair deal office would review applicants' means on an annual basis (details supplied) based on social welfare budgetary increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45234/18]

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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.

Under the NHSS Act 2009 the HSE may, in respect of a person who is being provided with care services, whether of its own initiative or at the request of the person, at any time arrange for a review to be carried out of all or any of the following as appropriate:

- the care needs assessment;

- the financial assessment relating to the person; or

- the weekly amount of payments made by way of ancillary State support in respect of that person.

A participant in the Scheme can request the HSE to review their financial assessment on the condition that 12 months have passed since the initial assessment or the most recent review. Participants in the scheme are also obligated to inform the HSE of any material change in circumstances, including an increase in income or means.

It should be noted that any increase in income or means not notified to the HSE will result in recoupment by the HSE of the support that was advanced over and above what was due to the participant.

I would encourage any participant in the Scheme to contact their local area HSE office with any queries relating to their financial contribution towards their cost of care.

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