Medical Card Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Ceisteanna (441)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

441. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to put a mechanism in place whereby persons who are going through the medical card review-appeals process will not be pressurised by the Health Service Executive or debt collection agencies acting on their behalf for payment of outstanding hospital debt when there is still a possibility they may be awarded their medical card; in the event of cards being awarded to persons, if he will ensure that these debts are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47913/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Persons (and their dependants, if applicable), who are the subject of a medical card eligibility review assessment, regardless of the expiry date on the card, will continue to have their eligibility extended pending the outcome of the review assessment, provided they have returned the review form within the time specified, and are engaging with the HSE in enabling their review assessment to complete.

The medical card/GP visit card holder does not need to take any action other than to genuinely co-operate with the review process and communicate with the HSE on an ongoing basis throughout the process.

Those who appeal a decision on their medical card/GP visit card eligibility retain their original eligibility until an appeal decision is issued.

Eligibility can be confirmed by any Doctor/Pharmacist/Public Hospital, or by the Medical Card holder on-line at www.medicalcard.ie or through the GP practice systems.