Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Health to consider automatic qualification (removal of means test) for a medical card for lung fibrosis patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52553/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.

The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not possible to list and prioritise conditions for medical card eligibility as such an approach risks creating inequity by diagnosis or condition. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a patient’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.

Every effort is made by the HSE, within framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card or GP visit card – including to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card or GP visit card.

I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other relevant issues.