Priority Question on cancellation of pensioners’ medical cards

QUESTION NO: 3

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr White)
by Deputy Thomas Pringle
for PRIORITY ANSWER on 20/03/2013

To ask the Minister for Health the reason many elderly persons have had their medical cards cancelled by the primary care reimbursement scheme without any notice; the steps being taken to ensure that the system prevents this happening again avoiding undue distress and cost on elderly patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Thomas Pringle T.D.

REPLY.
Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, as amended, determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the HSE. The HSE has produced national assessment guidelines to provide a clear framework to assist the making of reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing an applicant. These guidelines are publicly available and can be downloaded from the HSE’s medical card website.

A new medical card scheme for persons aged 70 years or over was introduced with effect from the 1st of January 2009. Under this scheme, a person who is ordinarily resident in the State qualifies for a medical card as long as their gross income does not exceed the means test income limit. The income limit for a single person is presently €700 per week. The relevant income limit for a couple is €1,400 per week.

The standard procedure for the review of medical cards for person aged 66 years or older is that their medical card will be reviewed every 4 years. In the interest of fairness between medical cardholders, it is important that all people aged 70 or over are treated in a like manner by the HSE.

The Primary Care Reimbursement Office (PCRS) has confirmed that medical cards are not cancelled without notice. The PCRS notifies all medical card holders by letter three months in advance of the renewal date of their eligibility for a medical card, or when a review is due. A further reminder letter is sent to card holders who have failed to return their renewal form a month prior to the card expiry date. If no contact is made by a client with the Central Office within this period their medical card will expire. The Central Office makes every effort to contact clients. In a small number of cases a client may not receive the renewal notice due to having changed address. When notified of such cases the Central Office extends the person’s eligibility for a sufficient period to allow them to complete and submit a renewal.

Any medical cardholder undergoing a review for a renewed medical card, who genuinely engages with the HSE in that review, will not have their entitlement withdrawn before the review is complete, regardless of the expiry date shown on their medical card. In cases where a decision is made not to grant a medical card, the applicant will be informed of the decision and notified of their right to appeal this decision. Contact details for the appeals office are provided to them with that decision. Where a person submits an appeal to a decision not to renew a medical card within 21 days of that decision, they will retain their medical card until the appeal is decided.

In conclusion, all efforts are being made to deal with the individuals properly, fairly and impartially.

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