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

Question 632: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by substance abusers in registering with general practitioners, which in turn prevents them from obtaining a medical card and receiving dental treatment; and if will she bring forward proposals to make it easier for those substance abusers who are entitled to a medical card to obtain one. [43845/06]

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

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 of the applicant and his/her dependants. 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. Persons aged 70 and over are statutorily entitled to a medical card, regardless of their means. In all other cases an assessment of means is undertaken.

In assessing eligibility, the HSE use guidelines based on people's means, which includes their income, certain allowable outgoings and the effect of factors such as medical need. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and a decision to refuse an application or renewal of a medical card may be appealed to the Executive for further consideration.

The General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme provides for a choice of doctor for medical card holders. Where a person fails to secure their GP of choice, s/he may be assigned to a GMS contracted GP by the HSE.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.