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Medical Cards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Questions (804)

Martin Browne

Question:

804. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he plans to address the frequency with which persons with long-term illness are requested to reapply for their medical card; his views on the frequency of medical card reviews for such persons whose health status is unlikely to improve; his further views on an instance in which a person with a long-term illness has had their medical card reviewed twice in three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5087/22]

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Written answers

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.

In that regard the HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. Where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, it should be noted that he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process.

Every effort is also made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.

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