Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1437. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider abolishing inpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43059/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1438. To ask the Minister for Health the work that is ongoing to alleviate the financial cost of inpatient charges on patients with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43060/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1437 and 1438 together.

The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to the statutory in-patient charge, to public in-patient hospital services. The current public hospital statutory in-patient charge is €80 per night, subject to a maximum of €800 in any period of twelve consecutive months. All persons accessing public in-patient services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory public in-patient charge, subject to a number of limited exemptions which include;

- medical card holders;

- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases - including Coronavirus (Covid-19);

- people who are subject to 'long-stay' charges;

- children referred for treatment from child health clinics and school board examinations;

- people who are eligible for hospital services because of EU Regulations;

- women receiving maternity services;

- children up to 6 weeks of age;

- people with hepatitis C who have a Health Amendment Card;

- people who are part of the Redress Scheme for Women Resident in Certain Institutions.

Patient charges are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the annual National Service Plan.

There are no immediate plans to review the list of exemptions to this statutory in-patient charge. However, in line with commitments made in the Department of Health Statement of Strategy and the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023, a review of the eligibility and charges system is planned.

The main objective of Sláintecare is to provide the right care, at the right place, at the right time. Eligibility and some charges have been highlighted as an obstacle to a patient’s access to swift high-quality healthcare. The Sláintecare program is committed to addressing any eligibility anomalies through investigating the current eligibility structure. Sláintecare’s aim is to shift the system to care for those who are in greatest need first.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1439. To ask the Minister for Health if plans are in place to introduce flexible car parking passes to all public hospitals to help alleviate the financial cost to those with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43061/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Governmentmakes a commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. I am very aware of the financial burden this issue can cause some patients and families. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE are currently examining the issue.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1440. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the financial burden faced by those undergoing long-term cancer treatment; if he has taken steps to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43062/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Patient charges are an important element of the overall funding of health services in Ireland. These include out-patient charges, Emergency Department charges, daily in-patient charges and long-term stay charges.

As is the case for all patients, cancer patients can apply for a range of supports, including medical cards, and are assessed under the criteria applying to all applicants.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. It should be noted that, in certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness.