Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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658. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the situation whereby medical aftercare services in health centres will only facilitate medical card holders in order to enable all patients to benefit from aftercare services in health centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49035/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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At present, over 43% of the population is covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Any person who is experiencing undue hardship in paying for a medical service may apply to the HSE for a medical card or a GP visit card. The HSE, in assessing a person's means, takes into account expenditure by the applicant on medical services and medication. If persons are experiencing undue hardship in paying for particular services, it is open to them to submit an application to the HSE for consideration on a discretionary basis.

The Government has embarked on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, which will ensure equal access to care based on need, not income. A fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. The phased implementation programme is being overseen by both Minister Reilly and me.