Details of the number of medical cards and GP visit cards are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position as at 1 September 2010 and show 1,578,613 medical card holders and 106,373 GP visit card holders on that date. There were 343,399 medical card holders and 236 GP visit card holders aged 70 and over as at 1st September 2010.
The HSE has produced National Medical Card/GP Visit Card Assessment Guidelines for its staff and these are regularly updated in order to provide a clear framework for decision makers to assist them in making reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing people under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.
The HSE with my full support, decided to centralise the processing of all medical cards and GP visit card applications and renewals to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. In January 2009, the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. In September 2009, the processing of all applications from two Local Health Offices in Dublin transferred to the PCRS. The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals will ensure a consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of card holders by region and the number of cards withdrawn in recent years.