Cancer patients’ medical card application process must be simplified

The Department of Health and the HSE must consider removing the arduous application process associated with discretionary medical cards for those with cancer and other serious illnesses, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Maria Byrne is calling on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and his department to finally address the persistent problem of access to discretionary medical cards for cancer patients.

Senator Byrne said: “The stress and devastation of dealing with cancer is difficult enough for anyone without having to worry about access to health care or paying for medication.

“Currently, people who receive a cancer diagnosis but do not qualify for a medical card under the regular means testing can apply for the discretionary medical card. However, they must prove they have significant medical costs.

“Speaking in front of the Health Committee last month, representatives from the Irish Cancer Society highlighted the red tape and onslaught of administration that these patients must go through in pursuit of the services they are entitled to.

“I was frustrated listening to the hardship inflicted upon people already battling serious illnesses who do not have the energy to deal with such bureaucracy.

“42,000 people In Ireland get cancer each year and although more people are surviving cancer than ever before, it important to remember how many people are affected by this illness.

“The Irish Cancer Society recommends that the automatic entitlement to a medical card should occur upon diagnosis of cancer for any person and I wholeheartedly agree.

“It would relieve, not just the mountain of medical expenses which accompany serious diagnosis, like GP visits and prescription charges but also the stress they are under. It would help them to focus on the most important thing, their recovery.

“I am urging the Minister for Health to prioritise our cancer patients and streamline this unfairly complicated application.” Senator Byrne concluded.