Written answers

Thursday, 21 April 2005

Department of Health and Children

Medical Cards

5:00 pm

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the budget submission made to Government on behalf of the Retired Nurses Association of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the issues raised. [12628/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The submission requested that medical cards be granted at age 66 without a means test. Eligibility for health services is generally based on residency and means and the only major exception is for persons aged 70 and over, who have automatic eligibility to a medical card. Persons are entitled to a medical card where they are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves or their dependants. In determining eligibility the local area of the Health Service Executive will have regard to the financial circumstances and medical needs of the applicant. Medical cards may be made available by the Health Service Executive where the income guidelines are exceeded, for example in circumstances where there are particular needs for medical services or in hardship cases. However, in all cases the decision is a matter for the chief officer of the relevant area of the Health Service Executive. The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage as set out in the health strategy and will continue to focus on people with low incomes.

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