Health services eligibility anomalies
The working party has not completed its review of health-service anomalies; their possible elimination is being considered alongside the new pay-related contributions scheme. Dr. O’Connell highlighted hardship among borderline cases and asked whether the £3,000 limit could be raised. Haughey said the issue was complex and that action would be needed by April 1979.
asked the Minister for Health the findings of the working party set up to examine anomalies in the health services.
Comment on this
This working party has not finalised consideration of the anomalies. As I pointed out to the Deputy in reply to a recent question, the possibility of eliminating the anomalies in question is under examination in connection with the introduction of the recently announced scheme for pay-related contributions for social welfare and health services.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that there are many people who are borderline cases suffering considerable hardship by virtue of the fact that they would be unable to meet hospitalisation charges and the fear of such charges leads to a reluctance on their part even to seek medical attention? Is there any way, without disturbing vested interests, in which the £3,000 limit might be increased to cover borderline cases?