Written answers

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Department of Health

Medical Card Eligibility

Photo of Colm KeaveneyColm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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618. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to amend the medical card scheme to allow the local property tax and water charges to be included as allowable expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21322/14]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. In accordance with the legislation, determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the HSE. The HSE has produced National Assessment Guidelines to provide a clear framework to assist in the making of reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing an applicant for the General Medical Services scheme. The guidelines do not provide for expenditure associated with property taxes or water charges to be included in the determination of means of the applicant.

Photo of Colm KeaveneyColm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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619. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the mileage allowance included in the allowable expenses of the medical card scheme is 18 cent per km; the date on which that rate was determined; the reasoning or methodology used to determine that rate; if he will consider amending that rate in view of contemporary circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21323/14]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

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