Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 213: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was told they exceed the income threshold for the renewal of their medical card, in view of the fact that their only income is from invalidity pension and a €5,000 grant from the local authority for third level education; and if she will ensure that the persons medical card is renewed. [19489/06]

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

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether people should not have to choose between their medical card and their education; her further views on whether counting a grant received for education as income for medical card purposes acts as a disincentive against obtaining that education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19490/06]

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

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 general practitioner 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.

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is determined following an examination of the means and medical need of the applicant and his/her dependants.

In assessing eligibility income guidelines are used by the HSE. These 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. Decisions to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may, of course, be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.