Written answers

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Department of Health

Medical Card Eligibility

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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353. To ask the Minister for Health if all persons over the age of 70 are entitled to a general practitioner visit card; if there has been changes made recently in relation to the entitlement/criteria for medical cards and G.P. visit cards for persons aged over 70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45082/14]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Currently, entitlement to a General Practitioner Visit Card is subject to a means test. No recent changes to the relevant legislation have been made. However, the Government is committed to the introduction of a universal GP service for the entire population in line with the Programme for Government. As announced, the Government has decided to prioritise the over 70’s in the next phase of the roll-out of universal GP care. The Government has approved the drafting of a Bill to provide a GP service without fees for all persons aged 70 years and over. Drafting of the Bill is the subject on ongoing interaction between the Department and the Attorney-General’s Office. The expectation is that the Health (General Practitioner Service) (No. 2) Bill 2014 will be published shortly. The aim is to have the over 70’s phase implemented early next year, subject to the conclusion of discussions between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO.

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