Written answers

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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395. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who recently moved to Ireland and is a UK citizen would have their medical expenses and treatments covered here under the HSE, if they are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7131/22]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the social security provisions of the EU UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA), a person for whom the UK is competent is, if they move to live in Ireland, entitled to a non-means tested medical card if they meet any of the following requirements:

- ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland and,

- insured under the social security legislation of another EU/EEA member state, Switzerland or UK; i.e. receiving a social security pension from that state or working and paying social insurance in that state

- not subject to Irish social security legislation. A person is subject to Irish social security legislation if they are receiving a contributory Irish social welfare payment or are subject to PRSI in the Irish State.

A person who does not qualify for a Medical Card under the TCA/EU Regulations, for example a person who also has an Irish contributory social security pension, may still qualify for an Irish means-tested Medical Card. Details are available from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service. People without medical cards and considered by the HSE to be ordinarily resident can still access hospital health services at a reduced cost. Furthermore, it should be noted that since 2015 every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.

Further information on the medical card assessment process including, applying for a card under EU Regulations, is available in the Medical Card and GP Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines. Patients who wish to make a medical card application, are advised to contact the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service directly as they have responsibility for the assessment of and issuing of medical cards and GP visit cards.

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