Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
582. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what additional benefits will be conferred on the holder of an enhanced medical card, awarded under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 above and beyond an ordinary medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra583. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when enhanced medical cards, awarded under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, will be so awarded. [19244/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 583 together.
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme is open for applications. A dedicated webpage www.gov.ie/paymentscheme, contains information on how people can apply to the Payment Scheme, and what information applicants need.
The Scheme provides for financial payments and health supports for eligible persons. The legislation that underpins the Scheme provides that a person who spent at least 180 days as a mother or child in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution, as listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, is eligible for the health supports in the form of an enhanced medical card.
It is intended that the enhanced medical card will ensure the provision, without charge, of the following primary and community health services for those eligible:
• GP services;
• prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
• dental, ophthalmic and aural services;
• home nursing;
• home support;
• counselling;
• chiropody/podiatry; and
• physiotherapy.
As well as the above services, it is intended that cardholders will not be required to pay the €100 Emergency Department statutory charge.
Those who are living outside of Ireland will have the choice of opting for an enhanced medical card or a once off health support payment.
The Payment Scheme Executive Office will notify the HSE if an applicant is eligible for the enhanced medical card and the HSE will provide the card to the applicant and will be responsible for making the services available to them.
