James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36547/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. Under the legislation, medical card entitlement is not granted on the basis of a particular disease or illness. However, if an applicant’s means are above the financial limits as set out in the national guidelines, the HSE routinely examines for indications of medical or social circumstances which might result in undue financial hardship in arranging medical services and, exercising discretion, may grant eligibility for a medical card on this basis.

I am advised by the HSE that the person concerned sent in an application which was received in the office of PCRS on 24 April 2014. The application was incomplete as the person did not provide the necessary documentation to support their application. A letter, outlining the documentation required, issued to the person concerned on 28 May 2014 which was subsequently received by the HSE on 23 June 2014.

The medical card application was assessed under the National Assessment Guidelines but the persons' income was found to be over the income limits to qualify for a medical card under this scheme. In light of medical reports received on the 2 July 2014, the application was also reviewed by a Medical Officer. Having given due consideration to all aspects of the application, the outcome of the assessment process was a decision not to grant the applicant a medical card or GP visit card.

A letter to this effect issued on the 18 September 2014 notifying the applicant of the outcome. An income assessment was provided with the letter, along with details of the reassessment and appeals processes, should they wish to avail of these services.

The person concerned holds eligibility to the Long Term Illness Scheme. The Long Term Illness Scheme entitles the holder to receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their long term illness, free of charge.