Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
714. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if there is a pathway for the reimbursement of the cost of a PCR test taken privately by an elderly medical card patient where the test was required for hospital admission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31787/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE have provided PCR testing free of charge to everyone who required a test, and it continues to do so according to the prevailing public health guidance in place. Swabbing centres have been open for this purpose around the country and remain open at this time.
Individuals who have concerns about an underlying condition and/or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 should continue to seek advice from their GP or treating clinician in relation to the appropriate actions that should be taken and, in particular, should discuss the issues relating to testing, such as those described by the Deputy, with their GP or treating clinician who can arrange a free test via the HSE at their closest swabbing centre.
There is no process for reimbursement of a test taken privately as there is no charge for such a Sars-Cov-2 test provided by the HSE for public health or clinical purposes, there never has been and there are no plans to introduce any such charge in the future.
