HSE unveils advisory group on medical card eligibility

The HSE has announced the membership of a group tasked with developing “a more compassionate and supportive approach” to the awarding of medical cards.

The clinical advisory group on medical card eligibility has been asked to see how the burden of a medical illness can be accommodated in the award of a card, over and above financial hardship.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the group would widen discretion further to take into account medical hardship and the burden of an illness on an individual and their family, regardless of income.

‘Health outcomes’

It will have three months to draw up revised guidelines around which officials and medical officers can decide to disregard the means test, he said.

The group, which is chaired by GP Mary Sheehan, will meet monthly and provide an interim report within three months. Peter Fitzpatrick of Our Children's Health, which is campaigning for a medical card for all sick children, has been appointed to the group.

The group has been told to develop a framework that considers all stakeholders, “ takes account of health outcomes in the context of a finite health budget” and is “sufficiently flexible and attentive to the most vulnerable individuals and those with critical needs”.

Following controversy over the awarding of medical cards and a row-back by the Government last year, the number of discretionary cards issued has increased from 50,000 to 75,000 in a year.

Other members of the group are:

• Dr Jerome Coffey, Director National Cancer Control Programme;
• Dr Denise Mc Donald, Paediatrician, Tallaght Hospital;
• Ms Virginia Pye, Director Public Health Nursing, Longford Westmeath;
• Dr Mary Stains, Medical Director, Stewart's Hospital;
• Dr Margo Wrigley, National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead, Psychiatry;
• Ms Emma Benton – Therapy Professions Advisor;
• Dr Margaret O'Riordan, Medical Director of ICGP;
• Mr Mel Cox, Pharmacist;
• Patricia Ryan, Patients for Patient Safety Ireland.