Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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127. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider lifting the discrimination against persons with mental and psychiatric illnesses who apply for medical cards, especially persons who have long-term diagnoses such as a bipolar condition that can lead to suicide and life-threatening events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23485/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Under the Health Act, 1970, eligibility for a medical card is founded primarily on the undue financial hardship test and every application must be assessed on that basis. Under the legislation, determination of an individual's eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the HSE. The 1970 Health Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange GP services for themselves and their family, having regard to their overall financial situation and reasonable expenditure. The legislation is clear that qualification for a medical card is means-tested. Medical cards are not awarded - nor have they ever been - on the basis of a particular illness or disease. Medical cards are not issued 'automatically' - or irrespective of means - even if an applicant is suffering from a serious medical condition or a life long condition.

While there is no automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons with specific illnesses, or with a disability, the HSE has discretion to award a medical card to avoid undue hardship, having regard to person's or the family's overall financial situation, even where the person's income exceeds the income guidelines. The HSE is obliged to operate within the legal parameters as set out in the Health Act, while also responding to the variety of circumstances and complexities faced by individuals who apply for a medical card. As I have outlined, the 1970 Act established a financial means assessment and medical card eligibility is granted on the basis of the financial situation of the applicant. The nature of a disease or illness an applicant may have is not the basis for granting eligibility and I can assure the Deputy that all applicants are treated in a standard, uniform manner.

The HSE is currently examining how individuals, who are not entitled to a medical card, could still receive services that meet their needs. This issue is being addressed in a manner that includes all of the services and supports provided by the HSE with as much flexibility as is available and at a local level.