Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the way in which the award of medical cards is assessed; if detailed guidelines are publicly available; the areas in which they can be accessed; if they are not available the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8477/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Responsibility for the determination of eligibility of applicants to medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive. Under section 45 of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided for persons who in the opinion of the HSE are unable without undue hardship to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. Section 58 of the Health Act 1970, as amended, provides for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.

Eligibility is determined on the basis of the assessment of income and medical need. Income guidelines are used by the HSE. The income guidelines are not statutorily binding and medical cards may be granted by the HSE to persons in circumstances where the income guidelines may be exceeded but the particular circumstances of the case warrant such a decision.

Since 2005 there have been significant improvements to the way in which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. In January 2005, the income guidelines used in the assessment of medical card applications were increased by 7.5%. In June 2005, the means test for both medical cards and GP visit cards was simplified. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. This is much fairer to applicants. On 13 October 2005, it was announced that the income guidelines for both medical cards and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than they were at the end of 2004. It will be noted that the income assessment guidelines used for GP visit cards are 25% higher than those used for medical cards.

In December 2005, the Department asked the HSE to take account of the welfare, taxation and other changes announced in the budget on the operation of the income guidelines and to identify any changes which may be required in order to ensure that medical cards and GP visit cards continue to be available to those who need them. The HSE has recently responded and its report is under consideration.

The HSE has publicised the changes, as outlined above, to encourage people to apply and has made the application process as simple as possible. It has introduced a national information line at 1850 24 1850, which operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Information is also available on the HSE's website and in local health centres where application forms for medical cards and GP visit cards are available. A copy of the current guidelines is provided. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I would be happy to have the matter investigated for her with the HSE on receipt of the details.