Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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638. To ask the Minister for Health if he will abolish the medical card scheme once universal health insurance is fully implemented; if so, if he will confirm the manner in which services currently provided by the medical card scheme will be provided; and if the State or health insurers will determine and fund these services. [25387/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Universal Health Insurance (UHI) will require a new system of eligibility, based on a legally defined basket of services.  The basket will comprise a UHI standard package of services and services that will continue to be funded directly by the Exchequer.  The exact composition of the basket of services under UHI will be considered by an Expert Commission which will be established shortly. At a minimum it is expected that the UHI standard insurance package will cover GP services, acute hospital services and acute mental health services.

There will be a new financial support system and those individuals on the lowest income will receive a full subsidy to cover the compulsory premium for their healthcare. It is my intention that medical card holders will continue to receive the same range of benefits under UHI as they currently receive.  In terms of future funding arrangements, services included in the standard UHI package will be purchased by the insurers.  Insurers will be funded by the premiums paid directly by individuals to their chosen insurer and by the subsidies provided by the Government on behalf of those who qualify.  Services in the overall health basket but outside of the UHI standard package will continue to be funded by a combination of Exchequer and out-of-pocket payments as at present.