Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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394. To ask the Minister for Health if the incurable condition adiposis dolorosa, also known as Dercum's disease, is covered under the medical card scheme [10257/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Under the Health Act 1970, as amended, eligibility for a medical card or a GP visit card is determined primarily on the basis of an assessment of financial means rather than on the basis of a person's medical condition. If an applicant’s means are above the financial thresholds, as outlined in the National Assessment Guidelines, the HSE routinely considers whether the refusal of eligibility will result in undue financial hardship for the applicant or any dependants. Eligibility may be granted, on a discretionary basis, if the applicant cannot arrange general practitioner, medical and surgical services, for themselves and their dependants, without undue financial hardship.

Medical card applicants or their dependants who submit supporting medical reports with an application for a medical card and who do not qualify for a medical card on means grounds, have the management of their medical condition considered during the assessment process to determine if the refusal of eligibility would result in undue financial hardship for the applicant or any dependants.