GP visit cards for over-70s
Deputy Martin asks when legislation will provide GP visit cards to people over 70, including those who lost medical cards; the Minister says it is for the next session.
On the medical reform Bill, the Government did a U-turn on discretionary medical cards and the Taoiseach, speaking on the Order of Business last week, indicated that the Government would provide general practitioner visit cards to everybody aged over 70 years. Approximately 50,000 people aged over 70 do not have a GP visit card or medical card. I understand legislation will be required to provide this group with GP visit cards. When can we expect the relevant legislation? Will it provide for those aged over 70 years who have lost their medical cards, particularly those with serious illnesses who cannot apply for a discretionary medical card using the over 70s income thresholds and must do so using the under 70s income thresholds? This anomaly is catching many seriously ill older people. I dealt with some horrific cases last week. What is the position regarding the medical reform Bill?
On the medical practitioners (medical indemnity insurance) Bill, the purpose of which is to ensure all medical practitioners have adequate medical indemnity insurance, the Minister may be aware that there is a crisis in indemnity, particularly for consultants in private hospitals. Premiums have increased by 50%, with the Medical Protection Society charging premiums of €90,000 for consultants in the orthopaedic and spinal areas. Many Deputies have been contacted about this serious issue. When can we expect the legislation given the urgency of the situation and the crisis in cover for key specialties in the private hospital sector?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Martin for his warm welcome to Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Barry's Tea at half-time was as good as ever.
The Order of Business covers all Dáil business until the adjournment for the summer recess. Any further legislation is for the next session. The medical card legislation to which the Deputy refers is for the next session, subject to the policy advice of the new Minister for Health. The health insurance Bill to which the Deputy refers is for discussion in Cabinet next Tuesday or Wednesday, as the case may be.