Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2016

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Ceisteanna (205)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

205. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the eligibility criteria that will apply in the context of a person who currently holds a medical card because of serious illness that requires ongoing and continuous medical treatment (details supplied) but who is about to receive a personal injuries award that arises from negligent treatment and diagnosis; how the receipt of such compensation would impact upon this person’s eligibility to retain a medical card where the level, nature and extent of the treatment warranted to deal with the medical condition will continue to increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16414/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for 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 recently 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.