Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
339. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of any review of eligibility policy for medical services as outlined in Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a Citizen Care Masterplan has begun under Reform Programme 2: Addressing Health Inequalities – Toward Universal Healthcare of the recent Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021 – 2023.
The Citizen Care Masterplan aims to inform policy decision-making around equitable allocation of resources of all types and includes the development of frameworks for eligibility, population-based resource allocation, workforce planning, and capital and estates planning.
An initial review of eligibility commitments in key policies has been completed and will inform the progression of a business case to develop policy proposals and options for achieving universal eligibility across hospital and community settings.
The following will be considered:
- the range of services to be provided on a universal basis
- the rationale and methodology for eligibility/entitlement for the services, and
- financial mechanisms and phasing.
This analysis will then inform the preferred future eligibility framework to deliver universal access to healthcare for decision by Government.
