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Hospital Charges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Ceisteanna (426)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

426. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to lowering or waiving the inpatient charge of €80 per visit at a maximum of €800 per annum for those with long-term illnesses or treatment plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3304/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services including consultant services. All persons, irrespective of illness or condition, accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months, subject to a number of exemptions which include;

- medical card holders;

- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases - including Coronavirus (Covid-19);

- people who are subject to 'long-stay' charges;

- children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations;

- people who are eligible for hospital services because of EU Regulations;

- women receiving maternity services;

- children up to 6 weeks of age;

- people with hepatitis C who have a Health Amendment Card;

- people who are part of the Redress Scheme for Women Resident in Certain Institutions.

There are no plans to review the list of exemptions to this statutory in-patient charge.

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