Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
386. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards expected to be issued to persons in receipt of the carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31400/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2017, the Government announced that additional funding would be provided to enable all carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance to qualify for a GP visit card. To clarify, in respect of the question, it is a GP Visit Card and not a Medical Card. Government approval was given on the 11 April to provide GP services without fees to persons in receipt of either full or half rate Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit and to draft the Heads of Bill to legislate for this provision. It is intended that this measure will be implemented this year, subject to the drafting and enactment of the necessary legislation.
Approximately an additional 14,000 people who are in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit who up to now have not qualified for a medical card or GP visit card on means or age grounds, will now be provided with GP services without fees.
This is in addition to the majority of persons in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit that already have either a medical card or GP visit Card.
