Written answers
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Department of Health and Children
Medical Cards
10:00 pm
Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in regard to the entitlement of citizens over 70 years of age to a medical card, she will extend the concession whereby widows and widowers whose spouses passed away after 1 January 2009 hold their medical cards irrespective of when their spouse passed away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8554/09]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2008 allows for a surviving spouse of an over 70 medical card holder to retain their card for a period of 3 years provided that: the death occurred on or after 1st January 2009; the surviving spouse/partner was aged 70 or over at the time of the death; and the surviving spouse remains within the €1,400 weekly income limit for a couple.
After 3 years, the surviving spouse will be assessed under the €700 single weekly income limit. I moved an amendment during the legislation's passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas to ensure that a person aged 70 or over would not lose his/her medical card as an immediate consequence of the death of a spouse.
My Department examined the options available to ensure that the trauma is minimised for an elderly person whose spouse dies. I am satisfied that the provision in the legislation offers the best solution from a non-discrimination point of view. A surviving spouse aged 70 or over, who no longer qualifies for a medical card after 1st January may apply to the HSE for a card under the existing net income thresholds, which take account of medical, nursing and other relevant expenses.
The HSE may also issue a medical card on a discretionary basis if the person would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for themselves and any dependants. Such persons are encouraged to apply to the HSE for a discretionary card.
I am satisfied that the arrangements outlined above are equitable and there are no plans to amend the legislation.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8574/09]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
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