Written answers

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Department of Health

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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365. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to review the terms of the financial assessment in the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38719/16]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care.

When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies. These issues include examining the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. This work is currently underway and the IFA has made a submission in this context to the Interdepartmental Group which is overseeing the Review. Changes arising from this Review may require legislative implementation. There are no plans at present to review the terms of the NHSS financial assessment more generally.

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