TDs welcome extended medical card eligibility

There are currently some 1,800 medical cards granted on ‘end of life’ criteria.

Local TDs have welcomed Government approval to expand access to medical cards, making them available to all those who are terminally ill and have a prognosis of up to 24 months.

Up to now, all those who have a prognosis of up to 12 months meet the ‘end of life’ criteria for eligibility for a medical cards.”

Last November, the Clinical Advisory Group established by the HSE to examine this issue recommended legislative change to extend medical card eligibility.

The Government had also made a commitment in its Programme for Government to extend medical card eligibility in cases of terminal illness.

There are currently some 1,800 medical cards granted on ‘end of life’ criteria.

This new arrangement will confer a benefit to patients with diagnoses across a range of specialties such as Neurology, Cardiology, Respiratory, Oncology.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will direct the HSE to put in place arrangements to enable all those with a prognosis of up to 24 months to be eligible for a medical card. Department of Health officials are currently undertaking an examination of potential options for a legislative framework for the scheme.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith welcomed the announcement.

Deputy Smith commented, “Having the security of a medical card when someone is terminally ill can offer such reassurance and certainty at an incredibly difficult time.

“My colleague, Minister Stephen Donnelly, has today secured approval to direct the HSE to put in place arrangements to enable all those with a prognosis of up to 24 months to be eligible for a medical card and I welcome this.”

Party colleague Niamh Smyth also welcomed the news.

“A terminal diagnosis is undoubtedly devastating. The provision of a medical card can provide much needed certainty and reassurance for individuals and their families during such a difficult time,” she said.

“This was a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am pleased that the introduction of an interim administrative arrangement will ensure eligible persons can access a medical card while the necessary legislative framework to underpin this arrangement continues to be developed,” concluded Deputy Smyth.