Butler delighted at much-needed suspension of discretionary medical card review

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has today (Friday) welcomed the HSE’s decision to halt the review of discretionary medical cards. It comes after a meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Health where the Government decided to address issues surrounding eligibility for the cards to take account of medical conditions, including new legislation if necessary.

“There have been major concerns around the medical card issue and I am pleased that the Government has taken action. There have been some shocking examples of medical cards being taken from people with severe conditions and it is very positive that progress has been made in improving the system by which discretionary medical cards are allocated.

“An expert panel will be set up to examine the factors that should be considered when granting a discretionary medical card. This will mean that medical conditions will be taken into account, it will not just be about finances.

“The level of attention surrounding this issue has led to anxiety and concern among other medical card holders who fear they could lose their card.

“The medical card system must be centred on the needs of the people, it is essential that people are treated with compassion and that those most in need receive support. I am pleased that the review has been halted and that a new framework will be developed, and underpinned by legislation if necessary, to ensure that the system for allocating discretionary medical cards is based on fairness, compassion and common decency.”