asked the Minister for Health if any changes are proposed in relation to the provision of hospital services cards in the future; and if there are any proposals in relation to those who have received no income tax assessments from the Revenue Commissioners.
Written Answers. - Hospital Services Card Eligibility.
21.
Hospital services cards are issued to persons who are entitled to free hospital consultant services and free general practitioner services in respect of maternity. The criteria for such eligibility are set out in the Health Services (No. 2) Regulations 1983 (S.I. No. 139 of 1983) as amended by the Health Services (Amendment) Regulations, 1985 (S.I. No. 145 of 1985). A person whose income in the year ended 5 April 1985 was less than £13,500 is currently entitled to these services and consequently to a hospital services card. Income is defined in the regulations as income estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts.
The determination of eligibility is a matter for the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board, who is required to satisfy himself that the income of the applicant complies with the regulations. Normally, in view of the definition of income, the applicant's P.60 or notice of assessment from the Revenue Commissioners is required as proof of income. However, where such is not available the chief executive officer may accept other evidence of income as he deems appropriate in the particular circumstances.
These provisions have worked satisfactorily and I do not propose to change them in the immediate future.
Question No. 22 taken as oral.