Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
294. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing medical cards in 2021 to all terminally ill patients and those diagnosed with cancer, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22908/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data required to model the cost of the provision of medical cards to all patients suffering from a terminal illness and those diagnosed with cancer is not readily available. The cost would be dependent on a number of factors including, the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are deemed eligible.
However, it should be noted that the HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards for persons who are terminally ill and are receiving end of life treatment i.e. persons with a prognosis of less than 12 months. These medical cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required medical report and a completed application form from a healthcare professional. Once these cards are awarded they are not reassessed by the HSE.
