Written answers
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
Department of Health
Medical Cards
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1088. To ask the Minister for Health what the enhanced medical card covers for people in receipt of same, that is, the professional services such as physiotherapy, chiropody, ophthalmic and audiology and medications covered by the card. [2343/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Eligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold.
The Government approved the provision of health services and supports (referred to as an “enhanced medical card”) as part of the of benefits available under the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. The Payment Scheme provides financial benefits and health supports to defined groups in acknowledgement of circumstances experienced while resident in relevant institutions.
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 makes provision for the “enhanced medical card”. This provides for a range of health services and supports in Ireland for eligible persons who qualify under the Scheme, including general practitioner services, acute inpatient services, approved prescribed drugs (without prescription charges), medicines and surgical appliances, nursing services, home help services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, counselling, chiropody and physiotherapy services.
The enhanced medical card is provided on a lifelong basis and is not subject to ongoing means testing. However, the card does not confer preferential access to these services to the holder. Services from the HSE under the card are prioritised on clinical need and resource availability, and in some cases referral by a registered medical practitioner will be necessary.
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