Menu
06/06/2014
HSE To Appoint Expert Group To Medical Cards Issue
The Health Service Executive has announced that an expert panel is to be appointed to examine how medical need should be taken into account when discretionary medical cards are being granted.
Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, encouraged the public to engage in the public consultation process on the issue, which gets underway tomorrow.
"The appointment of the expert panel is a very important step in changing the way discretionary medical cards are awarded. Thanks to the Government decision of last week, we are now moving to a system where, for the first time ever, medical cards can be awarded to people because they have a serious medical condition, rather than just because they fall below an income threshold," Mr Buttimer said.
Adding: "The expert panel consists of 23 professionals from a wide range of medical disciplines. They will now consider which medical conditions should automatically qualify for a medical card. They will apply the best medical evidence in coming to their conclusions, ensuring the system is open and transparent.
"I am particularly pleased that the expert panel has been asked to take the views of patient advocacy groups into account. We must listen closely to those who have been working with and on behalf of the very patients who have suffered as a result of the failings of the existing system.
"The work of the expert panel will inform the Government's new policy on the awarding of medical cards. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, and that is why I am also encouraging the public to make their views known as part of the public consultation process, which is getting underway tomorrow.
"The reality is the medical card system has been flawed for years. The centralisation of the system – which I believe will ultimately make it fairer – has acutely exposed these flaws. Now we are finally reforming the system for the better to ensure that those with serious medical conditions, as well as those with economic constraints, can access the care they need."
(MH/JP)
Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer, encouraged the public to engage in the public consultation process on the issue, which gets underway tomorrow.
"The appointment of the expert panel is a very important step in changing the way discretionary medical cards are awarded. Thanks to the Government decision of last week, we are now moving to a system where, for the first time ever, medical cards can be awarded to people because they have a serious medical condition, rather than just because they fall below an income threshold," Mr Buttimer said.
Adding: "The expert panel consists of 23 professionals from a wide range of medical disciplines. They will now consider which medical conditions should automatically qualify for a medical card. They will apply the best medical evidence in coming to their conclusions, ensuring the system is open and transparent.
"I am particularly pleased that the expert panel has been asked to take the views of patient advocacy groups into account. We must listen closely to those who have been working with and on behalf of the very patients who have suffered as a result of the failings of the existing system.
"The work of the expert panel will inform the Government's new policy on the awarding of medical cards. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, and that is why I am also encouraging the public to make their views known as part of the public consultation process, which is getting underway tomorrow.
"The reality is the medical card system has been flawed for years. The centralisation of the system – which I believe will ultimately make it fairer – has acutely exposed these flaws. Now we are finally reforming the system for the better to ensure that those with serious medical conditions, as well as those with economic constraints, can access the care they need."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 July 2013
Cancer Patients No Longer Guaranteed Medical Card
People on low incomes diagnosed with cancer will no longer receive a special medical card unless their condition is terminal. Special medical cards are given to people over the "normal financial eligibility limit" but face high medical bills following an illness diagnosis.
Cancer Patients No Longer Guaranteed Medical Card
People on low incomes diagnosed with cancer will no longer receive a special medical card unless their condition is terminal. Special medical cards are given to people over the "normal financial eligibility limit" but face high medical bills following an illness diagnosis.
26 November 2014
HSE Produce 10 Step Plan For Medical Card Scheme
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced a ten step plan to improve the operation of the medical card scheme, in an effort to make it "more sensitive" to people's needs.
HSE Produce 10 Step Plan For Medical Card Scheme
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced a ten step plan to improve the operation of the medical card scheme, in an effort to make it "more sensitive" to people's needs.
18 June 2014
Govt's Handling Of Medical Cards Is A 'Catastrophe' - Adams
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny if those adversely affected by the removal of Medical Cards will be compensated and for the government to state clearly if all those who need medical cards will get them.
Govt's Handling Of Medical Cards Is A 'Catastrophe' - Adams
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has asked Taoiseach Enda Kenny if those adversely affected by the removal of Medical Cards will be compensated and for the government to state clearly if all those who need medical cards will get them.
22 May 2014
Govt Cannot Be Trusted On Medical Cards - FF
The government cannot be trusted on medical cards, Fianna Fáil has said. Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health Senator Marc Mac Sharry has said that the government’s "cynical election stunt on medical cards provides little comfort to the thousands of people who have lost their medical cards and were ignored by Fine Gael and Labour.
Govt Cannot Be Trusted On Medical Cards - FF
The government cannot be trusted on medical cards, Fianna Fáil has said. Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health Senator Marc Mac Sharry has said that the government’s "cynical election stunt on medical cards provides little comfort to the thousands of people who have lost their medical cards and were ignored by Fine Gael and Labour.
15 May 2014
Govt Medical Card Policy 'Unjustifiable And Indefensible' - SF
The government has been accused of pursing a policy on medical cards that is "unjustifiable," "indefensible" and "it needs to stop." Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams made the accusations during the party's Private Members' Motion on Discretionary Medical Cards.
Govt Medical Card Policy 'Unjustifiable And Indefensible' - SF
The government has been accused of pursing a policy on medical cards that is "unjustifiable," "indefensible" and "it needs to stop." Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams made the accusations during the party's Private Members' Motion on Discretionary Medical Cards.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
