Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015

Thursday, 7 May 2015

Ceisteanna (125)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

125. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the medical card guidelines require the primary care reimbursement service to take account of a person's distance from medical care, particularly for chronic conditions; if he will confirm that in each individual case, transport and medical costs associated with ongoing care are taken into consideration when assessing an applicant for a medical card on discretionary grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17919/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.

If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.