Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43346/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In support of Government policy in promoting employment/training, applicants for a medical card who are in receipt of certain allowances/benefits, including Job Seekers Allowance, for a period of 12 months or more, can retain their medical card for 3 years on taking up employment.  Furthermore, applicants who participate in certain Government schemes, including those in receipt of the 'Back to Education Allowance', retain their eligibility for a medical card for the duration of the scheme.

Based on the limited details provided the Deputy's constituent should be advised to contact the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) regarding their eligibility for a medical card under the 3 year retention of a medical card on return to work provision in the HSE's Medical Card Guidelines.

If you are returning to work, you may be able to keep your card for 3 years. This can be from when you start employment to when your benefits end.

You must have been receiving a full social protection payment or government employment scheme payment for 12 consecutive months.

You will need to submit a new medical card application stating you are applying on this basis.