Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
278 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent that the general medical services scheme covers stays in hospital by qualifying patients after procedures or operations when they are unable to go home for any reason such as the need to await alterations to cater for disability; the hospital charges for such periods; if there are GMSS guidelines; and the details of same. [13493/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic hospital services were introduced in June 1991. As a result everyone, regardless of income, is entitled to public hospital and public consultant services subject only to modest statutory charges, from which medical card holders are exempt. At present these charges are set at €45 per night, subject to a maximum of €450 in any 12 consecutive months, in respect of inpatient public hospital services.
Alternatively, one can opt to be the private patient of both the consultant and the hospital. Any patient, whether a medical card holder or not, who opts for treatment in a private hospital or as a private patient in a public hospital is liable for the costs relating to such treatment
In respect of people availing of public long-stay care, charges can be made under two regulations. They can be made under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 1976, as amended by the Health (Charges for Inpatient Services) (Amendment) Regulations 1987. These regulations enable charges to be made towards the cost of providing hospital inpatient services for persons with income who have been in receipt of such services for more than 30 days or for periods totalling more than 30 days in the previous year. The regulations provide that a charge is made at a rate not exceeding the person's income. Medical card holders and persons with dependants are exempt from these charges.
Charges may also be made under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1965 where a patient receives shelter and maintenance rather than treatment. These charges apply from the date of admission. They are payable by all patients who are in receipt of incomes, including medical card holders and persons with dependants.
In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to the person's circumstances. Allowance is made for any financial commitments the person may have and a reasonable amount is left to meet the person's personal needs. Charges may be waived if, in the opinion of a CEO of the relevant health board, payment would cause undue hardship.
