Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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1156. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will prepare a handbook outlining in a transparent manner the eligibility requirements of a medical card and appeal arrangements for those transferred to a general practitioner card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46478/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government is aware that public concern on the issue of medical cards has been heightened in recent times and is committed to ensuring that the public will have all the relevant facts they need regarding medical card eligibility.

In response to a request by Minister Reilly, the HSE has devised a wide ranging plan to improve the provision of information to the public about medical cards. On 30th October, the HSE announced a communications campaign designed to raise awareness of the rules governing eligibility for medical cards. This includes providing extra resources to the national Call Centre for public enquiries, a public information campaign through media advertisements, the development of a key new Information Leaflet, improved support on the HSE website, wide ranging training for front line staff and more. The roll out of this campaign is scheduled over the next period, with some elements already actioned already.

As a result, communications on the issue of medical cards will be enhanced to ensure the public has all the information it needs. Comprehensive information, particularly on expenses taken into account for medical cards eligibility, will be available.

In addition, the National Assessment Guidelines for the medical card scheme are available on the HSE website.

The HSE has also established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response to individual queries. The contact details have issued to Oireachtas members.