I welcome the
decision recently by the Cabinet which will see medical cards restored to
approximately 15,000 people with serious health issues.
‘This matter is something I have
been raising in the Seanad for some time on behalf of individuals and in
regards to the overall national problem regarding discretionary medical
cards. I am pleased that the HSE will have the wherewithal to return
discretionary medical cards to those who lost them from 1 July 2011 to
31 May 2014. It is expected that the HSE will begin making contact with
individuals and families over the next few weeks.
‘Many families have had to
endure needless emotional and financial stress as a result of the review
process. I do believe this announcement is a positive move and will go
some way in assisting people. The review of recent years seemed to
remove the human element from the process and very ill and disabled
people unfortunately lost their discretionary medical cards.
‘For anyone who completed the
eligibility review but subsequently had their medical card withdrawn,
there is no need for them to take any action: the HSE will review their
records and restore their card automatically. Anyone who has an on-going
need but didn’t complete the eligibility review and subsequently lost
their medical card entitlement can take part in an appeals process to be
put in place by the HSE.
‘The recent decision by the
Government to formulate a new policy whereby eligibility for health
services can take account of medical conditions in addition to the
existing basis of financial means will hopefully ensure that those who
are in most need of medical cards or GP visit cards, can receive them.’
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