Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
625. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that in the very rare occasion of a person receiving a Covid-19 vaccination having an adverse reaction that results in a stay in hospital that their inpatient charge and any other fees are waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46053/21]
View answerCurrently, the Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to the statutory in-patient charge, to public in-patient hospital services. The current public hospital statutory in-patient charge is €80 per night, subject to a maximum of €800 in any period of twelve consecutive months. All persons accessing public in-patient services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory public in-patient charge, subject to a number of limited exemptions which include;
- medical card holders;
- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases - including Coronavirus (Covid-19);
- people who are subject to 'long-stay' charges;
- children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations;
- people who are eligible for hospital services because of EU Regulations;
- women receiving maternity services;
- children up to 6 weeks of age;
- people with hepatitis C who have a Health Amendment Card;
- people who are part of the Redress Scheme for Women Resident in Certain Institutions.
The question of waiving statutory in-patient charges and other fees for persons who experience an adverse reaction to Covid-19 vaccination, will require further consideration in the context of broader health policy, legal and financial implications which may arise.
