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Medical Cards.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (120)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

177 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which capital and interest are assessed by CWOs in deciding on the provision of medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28102/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Under the Health Act 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board or authority other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically eligible for a medical card. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.

Income guidelines are drawn up each year by the health board or authority chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility for a medical card and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index, CPI. The last such increase was notified in January 2004.

Health board or authority chief executive officers have discretion in issuing medical cards and a range of income sources are excluded by the health boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Despite someone having an income that exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.

With regard to investment income and capital generally, health board staff take interest from savings and the amount of capital available into consideration in the assessment of means for a medical card, which is routinely carried out by a community welfare officer, CWO. Additionally the issue of the treatment of SSIA proceeds in the assessment of means for a medical card is under consideration with a view to ensuring that nobody is disadvantaged under the scheme. The chief executive officers of the boards-authority are reviewing numerous issues regarding the administration of the medical card scheme and I understand that their findings and recommendations will be available in the near future.

The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of the extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position. In line with the health strategy, my Department is committed to the preparation of new legislation to update and codify the legal framework for eligibility and entitlements in regard to health services.

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