Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason when carrying out medical card reviews, particularly in the cases of the elderly, that is, those in receipt of a State pension, the Health Service Executive cannot simply send a letter asking whether or not the medical card holder's circumstances have changed rather than expecting the medical card holder to complete the review form and gather all necessary information again as in such cases, circumstances are unlikely to have changed and these review letters can cause stress and anxiety to the elderly while sending a change of circumstances letter would significantly reduce administration in the medical card office; if he will ask the HSE to examine this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17148/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Health Service Executive operates under the legislative framework of the Health Act of 1970, as subsequently amended. In the interest of probity, the HSE is obliged, irrespective of the age of the person, to ensure that a person’s eligibility is correctly recorded in line with the eligibility legislation and the national guidelines. The HSE aims to ensure that every person who is entitled to the medical card schemes is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement.

Reviews for medical card holders who are 66 years or over now operate on a self-assessment basis and the length of validity is four years. Where an individual requires help or has any questions or difficulties in completing a medical card application or review form, he or she, or a member the family, should contact their Local Health Office, where the staff continue to provide assistance. Where an individual’s circumstances change, the HSE must be informed as the individual may no longer be eligible. In addition to the standard assessment and review process, random audit of eligibility are undertaken on an ongoing basis.

Any medical card holder undergoing a review to renew a medical card, who genuinely engages with the HSE in that review, will not have their entitlement withdrawn before the review is complete, regardless of the expiry date shown on their medical card. In cases where a decision is made not to grant a medical card, the applicant is informed of the decision and is notified of their right to appeal this decision. Contact details for the appeals office are provided to them. Where a person submits an appeal to a decision not to renew a medical card within 21 days of that decision, they retain their medical card or GP visit card until the appeal is decided.

All efforts are made by the HSE to deal with the individuals properly, fairly and impartially.