Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to suspending non-routine medical card reviews until after lockdown given that the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions are posing difficulties for persons in acquiring the necessary evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5710/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility.
It is important to note that where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process (typically three months). Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.
Furthermore, in the context of Covid-19 restrictions, medical card guidelines have been updated to take account of the impact of Covid-19. Further consideration is also being given as to how best to assist persons when difficulties present in terms of providing necessary documentation for the review process.
