3rd March, 2017
New health legislation from Fine Gael will see more Meath children with a disability receive a full medical card.
That’s according to Meath East TD & Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Helen McEntee who is highlighting a new Bill which means that 9,800 children in receipt of a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), who have a disability, will receive a full medical card.
“There are currently 33,000 parents who receive DCA for their children, but 9,800 of these children currently do not have a full medical card. This Bill rights this wrong and I hope it will of assistance and relieve some of the stress these families experience.
“My Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, introduced the Health Amendment Bill to Cabinet this week (Thursday 2nd), together with Minister Finian McGrath.
“I am delighted to see the provision of these 9,800 full medical cards. This was a vital element contained in the Programme for Government and Budget 2017 provided funds to let us carry out our commitment.
“Let us not forget that these medical cards are to ease the burden of children with disabilities and their families. This is progressive move, and I would like to thank all the Meath people who campaigned for it.
“The HSE has been working to produce both a paper-based and online pre-registration system which will be available from 1st May with the scheme going live on 1st June 2017.”
How the new DCA medical card will work:
· For a child in receipt of DCA but who currently does not have a medical card, the parent or guardian will register for the scheme either online or through a paper-based form.
· For a child who is currently eligible for a medical card (under discretion or otherwise) and is confirmed to be in receipt of DCA, the HSE will automatically issue them a medical card.
· For a child who is currently eligible for a GP Visit Card (under discretion or otherwise), this card will automatically be upgraded to a full medical card.
Helen Mcentee T.D. 