Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 202: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the rationale behind a system which requires people who have qualified for an invalidity pension to have to reapply annually for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6513/08]

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

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, 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, provided 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. In assessing eligibility, the HSE uses guidelines based on the applicant's means, which includes their 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. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services.

I am informed by the Executive that its guiding principle in setting a medical card review date is to set a date in each case at which an income/dependency change or other change could reasonably be expected to occur which could affect eligibility. I am further informed by the Executive that, in general, the cases of persons whose sole income is derived from Invalidity Pension are subject to review every five years.