James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

During 2013 the HSE issued 644,858 review notices. As of 27 February 2014, assessments of eligibility had been concluded of 482,000 medical card holders and continuing eligibility was confirmed in respect of 465,000, or 96.4%, of these individuals. Some 17,258 medical cards, or 3.6%, were not renewed because the eligibility criteria, that is, the income thresholds, were not met. In a further 52,000 cases medical cards were not renewed because the card holders did not respond in the review process. On the date in question, assessments of eligibility were ongoing in respect of 102,000 medical cards and in 6,736 cases the card holders were deceased. I could supply the Deputy with much more information, but I will not do so at this time.

There must be probity within the system as a result of the continually changing dynamic. From discussing the matter with the primary care reimbursement office, PCRS, I am aware that the vast majority are not written to at all, except to be informed that they will be keeping their medical cards. This is because we know, on foot of the information in our possession, that they are entitled to them. Another large group are only required to tick a box to indicate that their circumstances have not changed. We are required to examine a small percentage of cases in order to ensure those involved are still entitled to medical cards. As Minister for Health, my role is to ensure the system retains the compassion it is supposed to possess in the first instance. I am also obliged to ensure there is more focus on ensuring people have access to the support and care they require as opposed to medical cards. The HSE is seeking to find the best way to achieve that to which I refer in order to ensure families will receive the support they need.

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