Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 26: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the estimate for the so-called saving to be made in 2009 from the abolition of the automatic entitlement to the medical card for people over 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6606/09]

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

In its announcement of 20th October 2008, the Government stated that savings of €100 million would be achieved through the ending of automatic entitlement to a medical card for those with incomes in excess of the new threshold, through the setting of a new capitation rate in respect of patients aged 70 and over, and through economies in drug usage.

It is expected that the ending of automatic entitlement to a medical card will produce savings in the region of €20 million, arising from a reduction of approximately 20,000 in the number of people entitled to a medical card. Savings of a further €16 million are expected to be realised by the introduction of a revised capitation fee payable to general practitioners in respect of those aged 70 and over in the community. The revised fee was recommended by Mr. Eddie Sullivan following his review in October 2008.

The balance of €64 million in savings is to be achieved through economies in drug usage. My Department has published on its website the report of a group under the chairmanship of Dr. Michael Barry, which makes a series of recommendations to achieve efficiencies and cost-effective prescribing in the General Medical Services and community drugs schemes. I am in the process of establishing an implementation group to give effect to its recommendations. It will be chaired by Dr. Barry and will include representatives of my Department, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation.