Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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294. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing medical cards in 2021 to all terminally ill patients and those diagnosed with cancer, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22908/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The data required to model the cost of the provision of medical cards to all patients suffering from a terminal illness and those diagnosed with cancer is not readily available. The cost would be dependent on a number of factors including, the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are deemed eligible.

However, it should be noted that the HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards for persons who are terminally ill and are receiving end of life treatment i.e. persons with a prognosis of less than 12 months. These medical cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required medical report and a completed application form from a healthcare professional. Once these cards are awarded they are not reassessed by the HSE.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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295. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of increasing medical card income limits by 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22909/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Medical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE issues income guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to medical and GP visit cards. Any revision to the income limits will have regard to Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price Index and other issues which may be relevant.

In relation to the cost of increasing medical card income limits by 5%, the data required to model the proposal is not readily available. The cost would be dependent on a number of factors including, the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are deemed eligible.