Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 177: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the number of medical cards issued to date compares with the commitment given by the Government prior to the general election of 2002; the costing provided at the time and the eventual cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15696/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The health strategy committed to making improvements in the income guidelines in order to increase the number of persons on low incomes who are eligible for medical cards and to give priority to families with children. Income limits for medical card eligibility increased in the years between 2002 and 2004 in line with the annual consumer price index. Both the income guidelines and income allowances for children, taken into account for the purposes of assessment of eligibility for the medical card, have now been increased further with effect from 1 January 2005. These increases were among the set of priorities for new health initiatives in 2005 that I announced on 18 November 2004. The Government's policy remains as stated in the programme for Government, namely, to extend eligibility for medical cards rather than to achieve coverage of a certain percentage of the population or to issue a specific number of medical cards. Accordingly, the issue of costing would be dependant on the timeframe for the introduction of additional cards.

A sum of €60 million has been provided for in the 2005 Estimates for health to improve access to primary care by providing for additional persons to become eligible for a medical card and free access to GP visits for those on low incomes. The medical card income guidelines were increased with effect from 1 January 2005 by 7.5% generally. With specific regard to children, the income allowance for each of the first two children was increased by 20% and for the third and subsequent children by 30%. The higher rate of increase in respect of the allowances for children is specifically aimed at assisting low income families with children in accessing primary care services. It is estimated that this will increase the numbers eligible for medical cards by approximately 30,000. The estimated cost of an additional 30,000 standard medical cards would be in the order of €30 million in a full year.

In addition, free access to general practitioner visits will be provided to individuals and families based on income guidelines 25% over the new medical card income guidelines. However, it should also be noted that discretion to allow eligibility for the doctor visit medical card for those above the guidelines suffering hardship will also apply as for the existing medical card. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 persons will become eligible for free GP services as a result of this measure. The estimated cost of 200,000 new doctor visit cards would be in the region of €50 million in a full year. Taking into account both of these initiatives, in the region of 230,000 additional people, including children, will be able to access their general practitioner free of charge.