Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

139. To ask the Minister for Health if he has had discussions with the HSE regarding the level of bureaucracy involved, particularly for older persons, in dealing with the medical card section of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43270/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE strives to have an application process for medical cards which is as streamlined and straightforward as possible for all applicants. Assistance is offered to persons completing application forms through the National Medical Card Unit and Local Health Offices. The application process for medical cards for persons over the age of 70 years is now more straightforward as a gross income threshold is applied. The Health (Alteration of Eligibility) (No. 2) Act of 2013, set the medical card income limits for persons over 70 years of age at €500 gross per week for a single person and €900 gross per week for a couple.

The HSE is required to check and verify the details of any application made for a medical and GP visit card and therefore during the assessment process individuals may be required to provide supplementary material. Whilst such requests may place an additional administrative burden on persons it is noted that this material is often required by the HSE to carry out its due diligence in order to make a complete assessment.