Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
150. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the detail of the process to reduce hospital charges for persons under 18 years of age as referenced in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50824/21]
View answer163. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the detail of the commitment in Budget 2022 to introduce phased reduction of costs for children in hospital and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50814/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 163 together.
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the State are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services. Persons, irrespective of illness or condition, accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months.
In addition, the Health (Out-Patient Charges) Regulations 2019 provide that, a charge shall be made for out-patient services provided at an emergency department (€100), a minor injury unit (€75) or any other facility providing similar-services, in respect of the first occasion the service is provided in relation to each episode of care.
Certain cohorts are exempt from these charges including:
- 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 Government is committed to ensuring that care is accessible and affordable for the most vulnerable in society and therefore funding has been committed in Budget 2022 for measures to alleviate the financial burden of hospital charges incurred for children accessing care. Details of the proposed amendments to hospital charges for children will be announced in due course.
