asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to arrange for a national review of the present sets of guidelines on eligibility for medical cards so as to ensure uniformity and to eliminate various anomalies; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
65.
As I have stated in reply to previous questions, there is now substantial uniformity throughout the country in the guidelines adopted by health boards for deciding on eligibility for medical cards.
In assessing eligibility, a number of factors, such as whether a person is married or single, the number of dependent children, and the amount of fixed outgoings on housing, are taken into account. The guidelines adopted by all the health boards in respect of a married man and in respect of each dependent child are much the same. There are some differences in the guidelines relating to single persons, but experience to date would suggest that there is a tendency towards increasing harmonisation between boards in relation to all aspects of the guidelines for determining eligibility.
My Department recently communicated with the chief executive officers of health boards drawing attention to the need for uniformity in the application of the agreed guidelines. The replies received to date indicate that the position in this respect is satisfactory.
In view of the general uniformity in the guidelines adopted by the health boards, I have not yet made up my mind whether it is necessary to reverse the decision taken by my predecessor and prescribe national standards for eligibility for medical cards. I intend to keep the matter under review.
Is the Minister aware that in cases in which there has been no change in eligibility the Eastern Health Board have occasionally withdrawn medical cards? I have known of cases where there has been no real change in circumstances and where the person concerned might be at a loss over a period of two months because of the cost of expensive drugs.
Does the Deputy suggest that the means had not changed and that the health board withdrew the medical card?
Yes.
I would not imagine that that practice was widespread unless there was evidence that there had been an increase in the income of the individual or of the family. I could not say how many of these cases there might be. If there are any cases where medical cards were withdrawn for no apparent reason I would be prepared to have the responsible health board look into the matter.
That was just something which occurred to me when reading my correspondence.