Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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423. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 8 May 2014, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I understand that a letter issued to the Deputy with the information requested. However, I can provide the most up to date information at this juncture to Deputy.

I am advised by the HSE that, at week ending 4^thJuly 2014, 90.68% of complete medical card applications and reviews were processed within 15 days of the complete application having been received by the HSE. Each week the HSE publishes the turnaround time for medical card processing and this data is available on the Primary Care Reimbursement Services website: .

All applications for a medical card and GP visit card must be supported with a range of documentation, as outlined on the application forms. Where such supporting documentation is not supplied, or is incomplete, to enable the assessment of an application, in accordance with the National Assessment Guidelines, the HSE will issue correspondence to the applicant, specifying the additional information required to progress the assessment of their application.

It has to be acknowledged that the processing time for incomplete applications is dependent on the furnishing of the required supporting documentation by the applicant. Applicants who are advised by the HSE of an unsuccessful application or review will be advised that they can request a review of the decision if they believe their financial or other circumstances have not been correctly assessed. They will also be requested to provide any additional relevant information or details of any change in circumstances since their original application. In addition, the applicants will be advised of the option to appeal the decision and the contact details of the Appeals Office. Again, the processing time is dependent on the furnishing of the required documentation by the applicant. Any medical card holder undergoing a review to renew a medical card, who genuinely engages with the HSE, will not have their entitlement withdrawn before the review is complete, regardless of the expiry date shown on their medical card.