Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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623. To ask the Minister for Health if he will introduce measures to alleviate the financial pressure on those with pre-existing conditions who regularly have to pay hospital charges that are not covered by health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48126/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the State are eligible, subject to certain charges, for public in-patient hospital services including consultant services. Currently, all persons accessing public in-patient (including day case) services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory in-patient daily charge of €80 up to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months, subject to a number of exemptions which include;

- medical card holders;

- children under 16 years of age

- people receiving treatment for prescribed infectious diseases, including 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.

As part of Budget 2023, the Minister for Health announced his commitment to abolish all public inpatient hospital charges next year. This measure, when enacted, will help alleviate the financial burden of everyone who currently has to pay the public inpatient charge when accessing care in a public hospital.