Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
730. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the application process for the new Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme will be the same as the EU cross-border directive; and if the refund amounts by the HSE to patients availing of the scheme will be on the same guideline pricing as the EU cross-border directive. [11043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2021, the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) no longer apply to the UK. On the 28th December 2020 the Government approved the implementation of a new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. The new Scheme operational from 1 January 2021 for 12 months on an administrative basis will enable persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. Patients are required to pay upfront for treatment under the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme and claim for reimbursement from the HSE. Such healthcare will be reimbursed at the cost of providing that treatment in the State or the cost of same in Northern Ireland, whichever is the lesser. Patients are advised to contact the HSE CBD office directly for further information on how to make individual applications for reimbursement under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme.
Furthermore, patients also continue to have access to health services under the EU CBD Scheme in all other remaining EU/EEA countries. In the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, persons seeking to utilise these schemes should review and adhere to the public health guidance and restrictions in place at any point in time.
