Tony Gregory
Ceist:156 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the procedure currently under way to update the medical card lists; and the precautions taken to ensure that elderly people are fully aware of the necessity to return forms.
Written Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
Review procedures of board in relation to medical card holders usually involve the issue of a review form to the person concerned with a request that it be completed and returned to the board. Most review forms are returned completed at this stage.
In addition, in the case of elderly persons, health boards' procedures also include a notification of the review to the appropriate general practitioner and-or the local community welfare officer. Where the elderly patient replies or where the general practitioner or community welfare officer vouchers for the person's continuing eligibility for the medical card, a new card is issued.